digicam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “digicam” mean?
A digital camera.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A digital camera.
A portable electronic device for capturing and storing photographs and videos in digital format, as distinct from traditional film cameras.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, but is generally considered dated and informal in both. No significant geographical preference.
Connotations
Slightly dated, casual, or tech-savvy. May be used by an older generation or in marketing to sound approachable and simple. The full term 'digital camera' is more neutral and standard.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary usage in both regions. The full phrase 'digital camera' is far more common.
Grammar
How to Use “digicam” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object: digicam] (e.g., I bought a digicam.)[Determiner] + [Adjective] + digicam (e.g., My old digicam)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digicam” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely in formal business documents. May appear in informal tech retail or nostalgic marketing copy.
Academic
Extremely unlikely. The standard term 'digital camera' or specific model names would be used.
Everyday
Possible in casual conversation among non-specialists, especially when referring to older or simpler models. Mostly dated.
Technical
Rare. Technical discussions would use 'digital camera', 'DSC', 'imaging sensor', or specific product categories (DSLR, mirrorless, compact).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digicam”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digicam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digicam”
- Spelling it as 'digitcam' or 'digi-cam' (though the hyphenated form is sometimes seen).
- Using it in formal writing where 'digital camera' is required.
- Assuming it's a current, standard term for all digital cameras.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered dated and informal. The full term 'digital camera' is standard, and as most cameras are now digital, the word 'camera' often suffices.
Historically, 'digicam' often referred to compact, point-and-shoot digital cameras. A DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) is a specific, more advanced type of digital camera with interchangeable lenses and a mirror mechanism. 'Digicam' was rarely used for professional DSLRs.
Typically no. It is strongly associated with still photography. A digital video camera is usually called a 'camcorder' or simply a 'video camera'.
It is a recognized informal word (a blend/portmanteau) found in many dictionaries, but it is not suitable for formal writing or technical contexts.
A digital camera.
Digicam: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒɪkæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒɪˌkæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is itself a lexicalized blend and does not form idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'digicam' as a shorter, friendlier version of 'digital camera'. It DIGItally CAPtures AMazing moments.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR DIGITAL IMAGES (You store memories in it). / A TOOL FOR DIGITAL CAPTURE (Like a net for catching light).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate context to use the word 'digicam'?