high definition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal in most contexts. Formal in technical specifications.
Quick answer
What does “high definition” mean?
Of, relating to, or having a television or video screen that shows a very clear, detailed picture because it contains a large number of pixels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of, relating to, or having a television or video screen that shows a very clear, detailed picture because it contains a large number of pixels.
Used metaphorically to describe anything of exceptional clarity, precision, or detail. Also used as an attributive noun (e.g., 'high-definition television') and as a mass noun for the technology itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. 'HD' is the universal abbreviation. The spelled-out phrase is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it conveys modernity and superior quality. In marketing contexts, it can be seen as a standard expectation rather than a premium feature.
Frequency
The abbreviation 'HD' is more frequent in casual speech and branding. The full term 'high definition' is common in writing, formal descriptions, and when contrasting with standard definition.
Grammar
How to Use “high definition” in a Sentence
[Noun] in high definitionhigh-definition [Noun]watch/stream/view in high definitionbroadcast/film in high definitionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high definition” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We watched the match on a new high-definition telly.
- The documentary was filmed with high-definition equipment.
American English
- We need a high-definition monitor for this graphic design work.
- She bought a high-definition video camera for her vlog.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing and specifications for electronics (TVs, monitors, cameras).
Academic
In media studies, communications, and computer science discussing imaging technologies.
Everyday
Discussing TV quality, streaming services, video calls, or camera capabilities.
Technical
Specifying display resolutions (e.g., 720p, 1080p, 4K are all forms of HD).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high definition”
- Using 'high definition' as a plural ('high definitions').
- Using it as a verb ('to high-definition something').
- Confusing 'high definition' with 'high dynamic range (HDR)'.
- Writing it without a hyphen when used attributively before a noun (should be 'high-definition TV').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In technical or business writing, 'HD' is perfectly acceptable, especially after first defining it. In more general formal prose, spelling out 'high definition' is preferable.
They are often used interchangeably, especially for screens. Technically, 'high definition' (HD) specifically refers to a set of standardized resolutions (like 720p, 1080p). 'High resolution' is a more general term for any image or display with a high pixel count, which can include HD, 4K, 8K, etc.
Yes, when it is used as a compound adjective *before* a noun (e.g., 'high-definition TV'). There is no hyphen when it follows the noun (e.g., 'The TV is high definition') or when used as a noun itself (e.g., 'I prefer high definition').
Yes, metaphorically. You might hear someone say a memory, a description, or even a sound is 'in high definition' to mean it is exceptionally clear and vivid.
Of, relating to, or having a television or video screen that shows a very clear, detailed picture because it contains a large number of pixels.
High definition: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˌdef.əˈnɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In high definition (used metaphorically: 'I remember that day in high definition')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HI-DEF' as 'HIghly DEFined' – the picture is defined with a high number of details.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS CLARITY / QUALITY IS HEIGHT (high definition, low quality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and correct use of 'high definition'?