digit

American  

[dij-it] / ˈdɪdʒ ɪt /

noun

1. a finger or toe.

2. the breadth of a finger used as a unit of linear measure, usually equal to 3/4 inch (2 centimeters).

3. any of the Arabic figures of 1 through 9 and 0.

4. any of the symbols of other number systems, as 0 or 1 in the binary.

5. index.

6. Astronomy. the twelfth part of the sun's or moon's diameter: used to express the magnitude of an eclipse.

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digit British  

/ ˈdɪdʒɪt /

noun

1. a finger or toe

2. Also called: figure.  any of the ten Arabic numerals from 0 to 9

3. another name for finger

4. astronomy one twelfth of the diameter of the sun or moon, used to express the magnitude of an eclipse

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Etymology

Origin of digit

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin digitus “finger, toe”

Explanation

If you want to sound smart, you can refer to your finger, thumb, or toe as a digit. Each of the numbers from 0 to 9 is another kind of digit. Although your pinkie toe may seem to be completely unrelated to the number three, each is a kind of digit. In fact, the practice of calling numbers digits comes from the digits on your hands — specifically, the habit of counting to ten on your fingers. The Latin root word digitus means "finger or toe," and English borrowed from this to mean "number."

Example Sentences

While the double digit annual sales growth it recorded from 2018 to 2025 will almost certainly slow, the company has demonstrated it can meet consumers’ wants and take market share from competitors.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

In an interview, CEO Jill Wyant said Madison Air is capable of generating mid-single digit revenue growth and low double-digit growth in earnings per share.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The analysts say that they expect a mid-single digit upgrade to 2026 and 2027 sales consensus, particularly driven by statements around customer demand and ASML’s capacity expansion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But he estimated it would bring in “single digit billions” for the state each year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

In his era, even simple lacerations often left diabetics with savage infections that necessitated limb and digit amputations, a consequence of the disease’s ravaging effect on circulation and immunity.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand