digital watch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “digital watch” mean?
A wristwatch that displays the time in numerical digits (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wristwatch that displays the time in numerical digits (e.g., 12:45) rather than with rotating hands.
A portable timepiece, often incorporating features like a stopwatch, alarm, backlight, or step counter, characterized by its electronic digital display.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'analogue' vs. 'analog').
Connotations
Generally neutral in both varieties. May have a slightly dated connotation compared to 'smartwatch'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though the term is being somewhat displaced by 'smartwatch' or 'fitness tracker' in casual tech discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “digital watch” in a Sentence
[someone] has/wears a digital watchthe digital watch [displays/shows] [time]check [time] on [someone's] digital watchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital watch” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He prefers a digital-watch display for its clarity.
American English
- It was a classic digital-watch design from the 1980s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often mentioned in retail or tech sectors regarding product categories (e.g., 'Our range includes analogue and digital watches').
Academic
Used in historical or design contexts comparing technological evolution in personal timekeeping.
Everyday
Common when describing someone's accessory or checking the time.
Technical
Specified in electronics or horology for its method of time display, distinct from analogue mechanisms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital watch”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital watch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital watch”
- Using 'digital' for any modern watch (incorrect for analogue smartwatches).
- Confusing 'digital watch' with 'stopwatch' (a function, not the device type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A digital watch shows the time as changing numbers (e.g., 15:47), while an analogue watch uses rotating hands on a dial.
Yes, most smartwatches have digital displays, but the term 'digital watch' typically refers to simpler, non-connected electronic watches, whereas 'smartwatch' implies advanced computing features and connectivity.
Yes, while many are inexpensive, there are high-end digital watches from brands like Casio G-Shock or vintage models that can be collectible and valuable.
In many online dictionaries, compound words are often demonstrated by playing audio for the key modifier ('digital') and the head noun ('watch') separately, as full compound audio may not always be available.
A wristwatch that displays the time in numerical digits (e.
Digital watch is usually neutral in register.
Digital watch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈwɒtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl ˈwɑːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not) watch the clock”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DIGITS on your wrist: DIGital watch shows numbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS DISCRETE DATA (shown as separate numbers, not a continuous sweep).
Practice
Quiz
Which feature is most characteristic of a 'digital watch'?