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

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

The original blue-and-yellow analogue clock returned to the bottom-right of the screen, replacing the current red digital clock for one day only.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2023

There was a huge digital clock on the wall of the dining hall, bought sometime in the seventies as the latest in technology and never replaced, even though it was older than Conor’s mum.

From "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness