diskette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowTechnical / Historical / Formal (when referring to legacy systems)
Quick answer
What does “diskette” mean?
A small, portable magnetic disk used for storing computer data, typically referring to the now-obsolete 3.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, portable magnetic disk used for storing computer data, typically referring to the now-obsolete 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy disk.
A physical data storage medium, symbolizing outdated or legacy technology. Can be used metaphorically to refer to any small, removable data storage device, though this usage is now dated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English may use 'disc' spelling (though 'disk' is standard for computing). The term 'floppy disk' is more common in both dialects, but 'diskette' was a specific branded/trade term that became generic.
Connotations
Equally outdated in both regions. In American tech history, 'diskette' was strongly associated with early IBM PCs and compatibles.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage in both regions, appearing mainly in historical or technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “diskette” in a Sentence
to save/load/transfer/copy data from/onto a disketteto insert/eject a disketteThe diskette contains [data].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diskette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to diskette the data for the legacy system.
- The files were disketted for archiving.
American English
- She disketted the document for backup.
- The program diskettes the boot sector.
adverb
British English
- The data was stored diskette-style.
- The files were transferred diskette-by-diskette.
American English
- The system saves data diskette-fast (jokingly slow).
- He worked diskette-lessly after upgrading.
adjective
British English
- The diskette drive is malfunctioning.
- We found some diskette-based software.
American English
- He handed me a diskette copy of the report.
- The diskette era ended in the early 2000s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in historical references to data storage or discussions of data migration from legacy systems.
Academic
In computer history, media studies, or discussions of technological evolution.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An older person might use it nostalgically.
Technical
In legacy IT support, digital archaeology, or museum contexts describing old hardware.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diskette”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diskette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diskette”
- Spelling as 'disquette' (influenced by French).
- Using it to refer to CDs or DVDs.
- Pronouncing it /daɪˈsket/ (with a long 'i').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. 'Diskette' was originally a trademark (by IBM) that became a generic term, especially for the smaller 3.5-inch hard-cased floppy disks. 'Floppy disk' is the broader category.
They are not manufactured for mainstream use, but you may find unused stock from specialist suppliers or on auction sites for legacy system maintenance or novelty.
Their very low storage capacity (typically 1.44 MB) became impractical for modern files. They were replaced by higher-capacity, faster, and more reliable media like CD-Rs, USB flash drives, and online storage.
It's a diminutive suffix (from French), meaning 'small'. A diskette was a small version of the larger hard disks used in early mainframe computers.
A small, portable magnetic disk used for storing computer data, typically referring to the now-obsolete 3.
Diskette is usually technical / historical / formal (when referring to legacy systems) in register.
Diskette: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsket/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈskɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As dead as a diskette.”
- “A diskette in a cloud world (metaphor for something obsolete).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DISK-ETTE = a small (-ette) DISK. Like a 'cigarette' is a small cigar, a 'diskette' was a small disk.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL CONTAINER FOR DIGITAL INFORMATION (now an obsolete container).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate modern description of a diskette?