Timestamp
TYM-stamp
/ˈtaɪmstæmp/
A digital marker or printed record indicating the exact time a specific event or sound occurs within an audio track.
Provides direct navigational references to pinpoint specific topics, chapters, or quotes inside continuous audio files.
The story behind the word. Originally referenced physical ink stamps used by 19th-century post offices and factories to mark arrival times on paper mail or punch cards. Computer programmers borrowed the word to mark precise system clock logs.
Word relationships
- timecode: Timecode is technical video frame syntax (e.g. HH:MM:SS:FF), while timestamp is a general term for time markers.
- time marker: Time marker is informal, whereas timestamp is standard terminology in computing and media metadata.
Commonly confused with
- bookmark: A bookmark saves a user personal reading position, whereas a timestamp marks a fixed point on the global timeline of media.
Word family
- timestamping (noun): The process of affixing timestamps to data or audio locations.
Collocations
- include a timestamp
- exact timestamp
- timestamp marker
- clickable timestamp
Example sentences
- "The host included a timestamp in the description so listeners could skip directly to the interview section." Show Notes
- "Please place a timestamp at every point in the audio recording where background noise needs correction." Editing
Memory hook
STAMP the exact TIME onto the sound file timeline. A clock mark on your audio track.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general calendar dates unless referring to specific time-stamped log entries.
Fun facts
- In modern podcast players, clickable timestamps automatically jump the audio player forward to that exact second.
Related words
Explore more words
transcript, duration, transcribe, waypoint, imprint, milestone
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