digit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal in its numerical sense; technical/formal in its anatomical sense.
Quick answer
What does “digit” mean?
Any of the numbers from 0 to 9, or a finger or thumb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of the numbers from 0 to 9, or a finger or thumb.
Can refer to a single character in a longer numeric sequence (e.g., a digit in a phone number). In anatomy, it specifically means a finger, thumb, or toe. In computing, a digit is a single symbol in a numeral system (e.g., binary digits 0 and 1).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The numerical meaning is identical. The anatomical meaning is understood but is highly technical; 'finger' or 'toe' is overwhelmingly preferred in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
In the UK, 'digit' can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned in a numerical context compared to 'figure' or 'number'. In the US, 'digit' for a number is common and neutral, especially in IT and mathematics.
Frequency
Equally common for the numerical meaning. The anatomical meaning is rare in everyday speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “digit” in a Sentence
[number] + digit(s) + long/numbera + [adjective] + digitdigit + of + [number]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form in common use.
American English
- No standard verb form in common use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Digital' is the related adjective.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Digital' is the related adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The company reported double-digit revenue growth this quarter."
Academic
"The result was accurate to three significant digits."
Everyday
"Can you read me the last four digits of your card number?"
Technical
"The microcontroller processes 8-bit binary digits."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digit”
- Using 'digit' to refer to a multi-digit number (e.g., 'My salary is a five-digit digit' – incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /daɪˈdʒɪt/ (like 'dig it').
- Using the anatomical sense in casual conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, though in base systems like hexadecimal, 'A-F' are also considered digits. In anatomy, it refers to fingers/toes.
A 'digit' is a single symbol (0-9). A 'number' is a value made of one or more digits. A 'figure' can be a written digit or symbol, or a number amount, often in financial contexts.
It would be redundant. 'Digits' in anatomy includes fingers and thumbs. 'Fingers and toes' is the common phrase.
It comes from Latin 'digitalis' (of the finger). Early computers used digits (numbers), and the term evolved to mean data represented by discrete digits, hence 'digital' technology.
Any of the numbers from 0 to 9, or a finger or thumb.
Digit is usually neutral to formal in its numerical sense; technical/formal in its anatomical sense. in register.
Digit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “double-digit inflation”
- “single-digit growth”
- “to the last digit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Your fingers (digits) are used for counting, giving us the numbers 0-9 (digits). Think: DIGital = relating to fingers/numbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE FINGERS (based on historical counting).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'digit' LEAST likely to be used?