time signal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “time signal” mean?
A precise audible or visual indication (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A precise audible or visual indication (e.g., a series of beeps or a visual cue) broadcast at a specific time to allow accurate time-setting.
Any periodic signal used to mark the passage of time or synchronize operations in technical systems, such as electronic circuits or distributed computer networks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. In UK, strongly associated with the BBC Radio 4 'six pips' and the speaking clock (Tim). In US, associated with NIST radio stations (WWV) or telephone time services.
Connotations
UK: Often evokes nostalgia for radio broadcasting and a sense of national routine. US: More associated with scientific precision and technology.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical cultural prominence of BBC time signals.
Grammar
How to Use “time signal” in a Sentence
The (source) broadcasts a time signal.(Device) receives/synchronizes with the time signal.The time signal is used for (purpose).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time signal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The transmitter will time-signal the hour change.
- They time-signalled the start of the race.
American English
- The system time-signals the network every millisecond.
- We need to time-signal the satellite link.
adverb
British English
- The device beeped time-signally at the precise second.
American English
- The pulses are emitted time-signally throughout the day.
adjective
British English
- The time-signal accuracy is critical for the experiment.
- He works in the time-signal department at the BBC.
American English
- We rely on a time-signal generator for the circuit.
- The time-signal broadcast is federally regulated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts involving precise scheduling, broadcasting, or timestamping transactions.
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and computer science discussing synchronization and signal processing.
Everyday
Mostly used when discussing setting watches or referencing precise timing events (e.g., "Wait for the time signal on the radio").
Technical
A clock pulse or timing reference in electronics, telecommunications, and network protocols (e.g., CPU time signal).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time signal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time signal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time signal”
- Using "time signal" to mean an alarm or reminder (e.g., *"My phone's time signal told me to leave").
- Incorrect pluralisation: *"times signals" instead of "time signals".
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The BBC's 'six pips' broadcast on Radio 4, with the final, longer pip marking the exact hour.
No, it can be visual (e.g., a flashing light, a digital timecode display) or a digital data stream, especially in technical applications.
No, it is not idiomatic. 'Time signal' implies an objective, precise reference for synchronisation, not a personal reminder. Use 'alarm' or 'alert'.
A clock continuously displays or measures time. A time signal is a specific event or marker emitted at a precise moment to allow setting or synchronising clocks.
A precise audible or visual indication (e.
Time signal is usually formal, technical in register.
Time signal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌsɪɡnəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌsɪɡnəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the dot of the time signal”
- “As regular as the time signal”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock (TIME) waving a big flag (SIGNAL) at the top of every hour to get everyone's attention.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PRECISE COMMAND (the signal dictates and orchestrates the exact moment).
Practice
Quiz
In a technical computing context, what is a 'time signal' most likely to be?