Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
PDA

PDA

22 4.1
A small handheld electronic device for keeping schedules and contacts
  • noun
  • /ˌpiː diː ˈeɪ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : asistente digital personal
  • She quickly entered her appointment details into her PDA during the meeting.

And so I'm sure there are a few of these PDAs or cell phones in your pockets that have organic LED displays.

Examples

  • The UA Libraries implemented a wholly unique PDA program in the summer of 2011.

    Academic text (2015)

  • This is the PDA or personal digital assistant.

  • Actually, I got a new PDA.

    Fright Flick (2011)

  • If you really want to be mobile, you want a Newton PDA.

    Steve Jobs (2015)

  • Nurses ask the patients to enter data into the PDA while they wait in the examination room.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are beginning to be used in myriad business and medical situations.

    Academic text (2003)

  • For many college and library administrators battling stringent materials budgets, PDAs are becoming mainstays for e-book collection building.

    Academic text (2015)

  • Some digital books are readable from a cell phone or PDA running Adobe's Acrobat eBook or the Mobipocket Reader.

    Academic text (2007)

  • My new PDA helps me organize my schedule and reminds me of upcoming events.

  • I check my PDA for messages and reminders while I'm on the go.

Synonyms

smartphone
vsPDA
227 1.8

A small computer you carry with a touchscreen that makes calls and runs apps

focuses more on organizing personal data rather than primary calling use
handheld
vsPDA
35 3.7

A small electronic device you hold and use with one hand

is specifically for personal information and often includes communication functions
organizer
vsPDA
  • Archaic
15 3.8

A small electronic device for keeping appointments, contacts, and notes

includes additional diary or communication capabilities beyond that basic use
personal digital assistant
vsPDA
  • Archaic
2 4.7

A small handheld electronic device for keeping contacts, schedules, and notes

is the shortened or abbreviated form used instead of the full name
personal organizer
vsPDA
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A small electronic device for keeping appointments, phone numbers, and notes

often adds communication features beyond pure information management

How Portable

smartwatch
2 3.4
smartphone
227 1.8
PDA
  • Archaic
22 4.1
tablet
286 2.7
laptop
309 1.0

Surface Forms

PDA singular
PDAs plural

Morphology

PDA = P + D + A

PDA is an initialism (letters) and the component letters do not carry independent lexical meanings that would allow a learner to deduce the sense.

Etymology

PDA is short for Personal Digital Assistant, so a helpful way to remember it is as a small 'assistant' in your hand that kept your 'diary', contacts and notes on a digital device. That's why PDA means a lightweight pocket organizer or tiny computer helper.