analog

1 of 4

adjective

an·​a·​log ˈa-nə-ˌlȯg 

-ˌläg

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a mechanism or device in which information is represented by continuously variable physical quantities

Copper telephone lines carry data in analog form.

It receives an analog video signal and converts it to a digital signal.

Your speakers are analog technology in all its nearly century-old glory … . As the speakers get their signals from the cables, the drivers vibrate in a continual state of flux as the changing analog signals are fed to them. The drivers are presenting an analogy of what came from the original source, even if the source started off digital, such as a CD.

—Ron Goldberg

b

: of or relating to an analog computer

In an analog machine each number is represented by a suitable physical quantity, whose value, measured in some pre-assigned unit, is equal to the number in question.

—John Von Neumann

c

of a timepiece : having both hour and minute hands

an analog watch

d

: not digital : not computerized

Of course, it's possible to meet someone online, but it's just as tough as the old, analog ways.

—Anita Hamilton

2

: of, relating to, or being an analogue

analog

2 of 4

noun (1)

an·​a·​log

variant spelling of analogue entry 1

1

: something that is similar or comparable to something else either in general or in some specific detail : something that is analogous to something else

historical analogues to the current situation

an aspirin analogue

2

: an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin

The gill of a fish is the analogue of the lung of a cat.

3

usually analog : a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group)

4

: a food product made by combining a less expensive food (such as soybeans or whitefish) with additives to give the appearance and taste of a more expensive food (such as beef or crab)

analogue

3 of 4

noun (2)

an·​a·​logue ˈa-nə-ˌlȯg 

-ˌläg

variants or analog

1

: something that is similar or comparable to something else either in general or in some specific detail : something that is analogous to something else

historical analogues to the current situation

an aspirin analogue

2

: an organ or part similar in function to an organ or part of another animal or plant but different in structure and origin

The gill of a fish is the analogue of the lung of a cat.

3

usually analog : a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular functional group)

4

: a food product made by combining a less expensive food (such as soybeans or whitefish) with additives to give the appearance and taste of a more expensive food (such as beef or crab)

analogue

4 of 4

an·​a·​logue

chiefly British spelling of analog

Did you know?

Analogue is a handy word for something that is similar to something else in design, origin, use, etc., as in “tofu is a meat analogue.” Like its relations analogy and analogous, it traces back ultimately to the Greek word lógos, meaning “word,” “speech,” “relation,” “correspondence,” and “proportion.” Not to get too meta about analogue, but the nouns analogue and analog are themselves analogues (or, ahem, analogs) of one another: they differ only in spelling, though the analogue spelling is more common except in contexts related to chemistry. The pair also function as adjectives—as in “an analog watch” or “analog recording”—but in that case the shorter form is preferred except by those who use British English.

Examples of analog in a Sentence

Adjective

Telephone lines carry data in analog form.

It receives an analog video signal and converts it to a digital signal.

Noun (2)

a modern analog to what happened before

the synthetic analog of a chemical found in a tropical tree

a meat analogue such as tofu

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Also standard is an assist and slipper clutch, a large analog-style tachometer, and a multi-function LCD. —Utkarsh Sood june 13, New Atlas, 13 June 2026

At the more analog level, Macy’s has also opened a museum-like Heritage Room, to showcase its history and foster pride among employees—and by extension, buy-in to make innovation work. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026

Noun

The retailer is embracing the trend of digital minimalism and analog hobbies this year, releasing hundreds of beginner-friendly kits that anyone can craft with. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

Throughout history, researchers have found mathematical analogs of Higgs mode in various materials. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

Noun

Eugenia was clearly based on Mitford’s sister Unity, an obsessive Hitlerite, and another sister, Diana, would marry Oswald Mosley, the leader of the Jackshirts’ real-life analogue, the British Union of Fascists, whose supporters were known as Blackshirts. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026

And part of the analogue experience is being there in person. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from attributive use of analogue entry 1; (sense 1) after analog computer, in which physical quantities (as electrical potential or mechanical motion) are analogues of corresponding quantities in the problem to be solved

Noun (2)

borrowed from French, borrowed from Greek análogon "proportion, correspondence," noun derivative from neuter of análogos "proportionate, analogous"

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing analog

• analog computer

Rhymes for analog

• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog
• travelogue