time-stamp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, formal, business
Quick answer
What does “time-stamp” mean?
A record or mark indicating the precise time and date at which a specific event occurred or data was created/modified.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A record or mark indicating the precise time and date at which a specific event occurred or data was created/modified.
The act of applying such a temporal record; metadata attached to digital data (files, emails, transactions) to establish a chronological sequence or provide proof of existence at a point in time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Timestamp' (closed compound) is standard in tech contexts globally. The hyphenated form might appear slightly more often in older UK documents, but the trend is towards the closed compound.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. The verb 'to timestamp' implies formal recording for verification, audit, or sequence.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US tech/business contexts due to larger tech industry, but essential term in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “time-stamp” in a Sentence
timestamp [something][something] bears/has a timestamp[something] is timestamped with [date/time]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time-stamp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archiving software will automatically timestamp all incoming correspondence.
- Please ensure you timestamp the log entry manually if the auto-fail fails.
American English
- The notary service will digitally timestamp the PDF document.
- Make sure to timestamp the photos when you upload them to the cloud drive.
adjective
British English
- The timestamp metadata was corrupted, making the evidence unreliable.
- We need a timestamp verification service for these contracts.
American English
- The timestamp information is stored in the file's header.
- A timestamp audit revealed discrepancies in the sequence of events.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for contract verification, audit trails, and proof of delivery. 'The electronically timestamped invoice serves as legal proof.'
Academic
Used in research data management to ensure integrity and sequence of data collection. 'Each sensor reading was automatically timestamped.'
Everyday
Less common. Might refer to the date/time on a photo, text message, or social media post. 'Look at the timestamp on the text—it was sent at 3 AM!'
Technical
Core concept in computing, databases, blockchain, and digital forensics. 'The log entry's timestamp is crucial for diagnosing the system failure.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time-stamp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time-stamp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time-stamp”
- Using 'time-stamp' as the primary form in modern tech writing (use 'timestamp').
- Confusing 'timestamp' (point in time) with 'time zone'.
- Incorrect verb form: 'The system time-stamped the file' (okay) vs. 'The system timestamped the file' (better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All three are found. 'Timestamp' (closed compound) is dominant in computing and digital contexts. 'Time stamp' (two words) is also acceptable, especially as a noun phrase. 'Time-stamp' (hyphenated) is less common today.
A date specifies only the day, month, and year. A timestamp is more precise, including the time (hours, minutes, seconds, often down to milliseconds) and frequently the date as well. A timestamp is a specific point in time.
Yes. 'To timestamp' means to assign or attach a timestamp to something (e.g., 'The system timestamps every transaction'). The past participle 'timestamped' is common (e.g., 'a timestamped file').
A Unix timestamp is a specific system for representing time: the number of seconds that have elapsed since 00:00:00 UTC on Thursday, 1 January 1970 (the 'Unix epoch'). It is a standard in many computing systems.
A record or mark indicating the precise time and date at which a specific event occurred or data was created/modified.
Time-stamp is usually technical, formal, business in register.
Time-stamp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm.stæmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm.stæmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set in digital stone (by a timestamp)”
- “The timestamp doesn't lie.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POST OFFICE STAMP that marks the date a letter was sent. A TIME-STAMP does the same, but for any digital event.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RECORDABLE PROPERTY (like a location); DATA/EVENTS CAN BE TAGGED WITH TIME.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'to timestamp' LEAST likely to be used?