binary number: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “binary number” mean?
A number expressed in the base-2 numeral system, using only the digits 0 and 1.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A number expressed in the base-2 numeral system, using only the digits 0 and 1.
In a broader sense, any representation of data using two states or values. The fundamental concept underpinning digital computing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept is identical in both computing traditions.
Connotations
Highly technical in both varieties, with no cultural connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within computer science, engineering, and mathematics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “binary number” in a Sentence
The computer stores data as [binary number(s)].Convert the decimal value 10 into [a binary number].[Binary numbers] are fundamental to digital logic.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “binary number” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; the term is a noun. Use phrases like) The data is *binary coded*.
- We need to *binarise* the image.
American English
- (Not standard; the term is a noun. Use phrases like) The system will *binary-encode* the signal.
- The function *binarizes* the input.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form derived from the noun phrase 'binary number')
American English
- (Not applicable; no standard adverbial form derived from the noun phrase 'binary number')
adjective
British English
- A *binary number* system is efficient for circuits.
- He explained the *binary number* representation.
American English
- The *binary number* format is standard.
- Learn *binary number* arithmetic first.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech companies discussing low-level data representation.
Academic
Core term in computer science, mathematics, and electrical engineering courses.
Everyday
Very rare; a layperson might say "computer code" or "ones and zeros" instead.
Technical
Essential and frequent in computing, programming, digital electronics, and information theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “binary number”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “binary number”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “binary number”
- Incorrect: 'binery number'. Correct: 'binary number'.
- Incorrect use as a verb, e.g., 'I will binary this'. The correct phrasing is 'convert to binary'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'bit' (binary digit) is a single 0 or 1. A 'binary number' is a sequence of one or more bits representing a value.
The decimal number 10 is represented as 1010 in binary.
Because electronic circuits can most reliably and simply represent two states (e.g., on/off, high voltage/low voltage), which correspond to 1 and 0.
Yes, through representations like fixed-point or floating-point binary, similar to how we use a decimal point in base-10.
A number expressed in the base-2 numeral system, using only the digits 0 and 1.
Binary number is usually technical / academic in register.
Binary number: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.nər.i ˈnʌm.bər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.nə.ri ˈnʌm.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ones and zeros (figurative for binary data)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think BI-nary = TWO-nary. A binary number is a TWO-digit (0 and 1) number system.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE A LANGUAGE. A binary number is the 'native language' of a computer.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a binary number?