What does analog mean?
Analog refers to systems, signals, and devices that represent information through continuously varying physical quantities — a needle sweeping across a dial, voltage rising and falling along a wire, or grooves cut into a vinyl record. It stands in contrast to digital technology, which encodes data as discrete numerical values. The word functions both as an adjective ('an analog synthesizer') and as a noun ('an analog device'). In American English it also serves as the standard spelling of 'analogue,' which can additionally mean something comparable or equivalent to something else. Analog carries strong cultural connotations: it evokes warmth, nostalgia, craftsmanship, and authenticity, which is why musicians and photographers often prize analog equipment despite the convenience of digital alternatives. Understanding the term helps illuminate one of the central technological divides of modern life — the shift from continuous physical representation of information to discrete digital encoding.
Representing data or information by means of continuously variable physical quantities rather than discrete numerical values.
"The engineer converted the analog audio signal into a digital format."
Standard spelling in American English; British English uses 'analogue.'
An analog device, circuit, or signal.
"Old radios relied on analog to tune into stations."
Less common than the adjectival use.
Used chiefly in the technical sense of analog devices or signals.
"The museum's collection includes several rare analogs from the early days of computing."
Every vinyl record and film camera is an 'analog' machine — the word comes from the Greek 'analogos,' meaning 'proportionate,' because these devices represent sound and light by physical proportions rather than numbers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of analog
Analog derives ultimately from Greek 'analogos,' meaning 'proportionate' or 'according to due ratio,' formed from 'ana-' (up to, according to) plus 'logos' (ratio, reckoning). The word entered English via French and Latin in the early modern period. Its technical sense relating to continuously variable signals developed in the twentieth century as electronic computing emerged. Cognates sharing the same root include 'analogous,' 'analogy,' and 'homologous.'
How analog is actually used
In American English, 'analog' is standard spelling; British English uses 'analogue.' As a noun meaning 'a comparable thing,' American English typically uses 'analogue.'
Easily confused with analog
'Analogue' is simply the British spelling of the same word, while 'analog' is the standard American spelling.