digital native

American  

[dij-i-tl ney-tiv] / ˈdɪdʒ ɪ tl ˈneɪ tɪv /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a person who has been familiar with computers, the internet, and other digital technology from a young age.

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digital native British  

noun

1. informal a person who has been familiar with information technology since childhood Compare digital immigrant analogue

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Etymology

Origin of digital native

First recorded in 2001; coined by Marc Prensky, born 1946, American educator and consultant, on analogy with a native speaker of a language

Example Sentences

For a digital native with an analog aesthetic, Moleskine’s Smart Writing Set seamlessly blends both worlds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

But the digital native children of the 21st century had to compete with a plethora of tech terms -- not to mention US President Donald Trump, who also exerted his inescapable influence.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

“You don’t want to build for a digital native … as if you’re just doing hosting for them,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

Alex’s son, a digital native, has been surprised by some of the earliest versions of the tech he uses regularly.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2019

"As a digital native, Saweetie understands social media better than most seasoned marketing executives," noted her manager Max Gousse.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2018