timestamp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “timestamp” mean?
A sequence of characters or encoded information indicating when a certain event occurred, usually giving date and time of day.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sequence of characters or encoded information indicating when a certain event occurred, usually giving date and time of day.
A digital marker attached to data that records the exact moment of its creation, modification, or transmission; also used as a verb meaning to assign such a marker.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use 'timestamp' identically. Minor spelling preferences in compound forms (e.g., 'time-stamp' with hyphen occasionally seen in UK technical writing).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American technical/business contexts due to larger tech industry presence.
Grammar
How to Use “timestamp” in a Sentence
timestamp + noun (timestamp data)verb + timestamp (add/assign/check a timestamp)preposition + timestamp (with/without a timestamp)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “timestamp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system will automatically timestamp each transaction.
- Make sure you timestamp the log entries manually.
American English
- The software timestamps every file when it's saved.
- You need to timestamp the document before sending it.
adverb
British English
- The files were organised timestamp-wise.
- Entries are sorted timestamp-first.
American English
- The records are arranged timestamp-sequentially.
- Data is displayed timestamp-chronologically.
adjective
British English
- The timestamp data was corrupted.
- We need timestamp accuracy within milliseconds.
American English
- Check the timestamp information on the file.
- The timestamp feature is enabled by default.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in project management, auditing, and compliance to track document versions and transaction times.
Academic
Appears in research methodology sections describing data collection protocols.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; appears when discussing digital photos, messages, or file properties.
Technical
Core term in computing, databases, logging systems, and digital forensics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “timestamp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “timestamp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “timestamp”
- Using 'timestamp' as a countable noun without article ('add timestamp' instead of 'add a timestamp').
- Confusing 'timestamp' with 'time zone' – timestamp is absolute, time zone is relative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, especially in computing, it's almost always written as one word: 'timestamp'. Occasionally you might see the hyphenated form 'time-stamp' in older technical documents.
Yes, since the early 2000s, 'to timestamp' has become accepted as a verb meaning 'to assign a timestamp to something'.
A datestamp typically records only the date, while a timestamp includes both date and time (often down to seconds or milliseconds).
Timestamps themselves are usually recorded in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to avoid time zone confusion, though user interfaces may display them in local time.
A sequence of characters or encoded information indicating when a certain event occurred, usually giving date and time of day.
Timestamp is usually technical/formal in register.
Timestamp: 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
- “Against the timestamp (meaning: judged by chronological evidence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TIME when you STAMP a letter – a timestamp stamps digital data with the exact time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LABEL / CHRONOLOGY IS A SEAL
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a timestamp?