diff

[ dif ]

noun
  1. Informal. difference: What’s the diff if I go Tuesday or Wednesday?

  2. Computers. an operation that computes and displays the data difference or differences between two files, usually between two versions of the same file: Before you submit your work, always do a diff on it.Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

verb (used with object)
  1. Computers. to compare (data files) and display the difference or differences: It’s easier to diff the files if they are in the same repository.

Origin of diff

1
First recorded in 1600–25; by shortening

Words Nearby diff

Other definitions for diff. (2 of 2)

diff.

abbreviation
  1. difference.

  2. different.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use diff in a sentence

  • But it don't make anny diff'rence what counthry a king comes from so long as he don't come fr'm th' counthry where he's king.

    Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne
  • But whin Abdul, be damid, as th' potes call him, made th' mistake iv pokin' his head out iv th' palace 'twas diff'rent.

    Mr. Dooley Says | Finley Dunne
  • Now I wish I'd done diff'rent; but it's too late to get back what I missed by dodgin' lessons.

    All He Knew | John Habberton