digital clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “digital clock” mean?
A clock that displays the time numerically (using digits), typically with an electronic display such as LED or LCD, as opposed to analogue clocks with rotating hands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clock that displays the time numerically (using digits), typically with an electronic display such as LED or LCD, as opposed to analogue clocks with rotating hands.
Refers broadly to any timekeeping device with a digital numerical display. The concept can be extended metaphorically to represent modernity, precision, or a lack of traditional/analogue aesthetics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling differences follow standard rules (e.g., 'analogue' vs. 'analog' when used in contrast). The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Implies modernity and precision.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “digital clock” in a Sentence
[Subject] + has/have a digital clock.[Subject] + checked/glanced at the digital clock.The digital clock + on/next to/beside + [location].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital clock” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hotel room had a digital-clock radio.
- He prefers a digital-clock display for its clarity.
American English
- She bought a digital-clock radio for her nightstand.
- The car's digital-clock readout is very bright.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in specifications for office equipment, hotel amenities, or electronic goods.
Academic
Used in physics or engineering contexts when discussing time measurement, signals, or display technologies.
Everyday
Common when describing a bedroom, kitchen, or car accessory.
Technical
Used in electronics, product design, and human-computer interaction discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital clock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital clock”
- Incorrectly writing 'digitel clock'.
- Confusing 'digital watch' with 'digital clock' based on size/portability.
- Using 'digital' as a noun (e.g., 'Look at the digital') instead of the full compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words.
A digital clock shows the time as discrete numbers (e.g., 12:45), while an analogue clock uses rotating hands on a dial to indicate the time.
Yes, it can refer to any numerical time display, including those on electronic devices, though it most commonly refers to a standalone timepiece.
They use the same display technology, but a 'digital watch' is worn on the wrist, while a 'digital clock' is typically a stationary object.
A clock that displays the time numerically (using digits), typically with an electronic display such as LED or LCD, as opposed to analogue clocks with rotating hands.
Digital clock is usually neutral in register.
Digital clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl ˈklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The clock is ticking (not specific to digital).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIGits show the time on a DIGital clock. Think: DIGits = DIGital.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A DISPLAYED NUMBER (as opposed to TIME IS A CIRCULAR JOURNEY for analogue clocks).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a digital clock?