digital clock

American  

noun

1. a clock that displays the time in numerical digits rather than by hands on a dial.

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digital clock British  

noun

1. a clock or watch in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by digits, rather than by hands on a dial Compare analogue clock

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Etymology

Origin of digital clock

First recorded in 1975–80

Compare meaning

How does digital-clock compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• digital clock vs. analog clock

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

digital clock

There are a few fun visual gags about the degraded far-future — a hospital named St. God’s, the city’s digital clock tower being stuck on a blinking 12:00 — but its punchlines tend toward nasty.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

A large digital clock appeared at the start of each episode, with bright numerals showing the current time in 24-hour format, as Bauer raced against the clock to avert disaster.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 16, 2026

It’s a digital clock that’s on military time.

From New York Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

The new iOS 17 brings smart display-like features to iPhone, which can now double as a digital clock or a digital assistant when placed horizontally.

From Reuters ● Jun. 6, 2023

I looked at the digital clock on the nightstand.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer