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
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
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.—The World Treasury Of Physics
The World Treasury Of Physics
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
Anita Hamilton2
: of, relating to, or being an analogue
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)
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.
Recent Examples on the WebJamie Lang, Variety, 19 May 2024
The best examples of this are the analog form of color television, which carried color information through the subcarrier, and FM’s stereo capabilities, which leverage subcarrier signals to make room for additional broadcasting bandwidth.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 June 2021
See all Example Sentences for analog 
Adjective
The sound and music, framing and lighting cohere in an ‘analog obsession’, through which director Ryan J. Sloan immediately imposes his unique stamp.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 May 2024
The best examples of this are the analog form of color television, which carried color information through the subcarrier, and FM’s stereo capabilities, which leverage subcarrier signals to make room for additional broadcasting bandwidth.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 June 2021
See all Example Sentences for analog
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'analog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Analog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analog. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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