big data

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Computers. data sets, typically consisting of billions or trillions of records, that are so vast and complex that they require new and powerful computational resources to process.

   Supercomputers can analyze big data to create models of global climate change.

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big data British  

plural noun

1. computing data held in such large amounts that it can be difficult to process

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Etymology

Origin of big data

First recorded in 1975–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

“If you are banking on never getting caught in the past for not filing, you’re banking on an old system,” Whatley said, noting the rise of big data and artificial intelligence at the IRS.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The firm uses computer-driven strategies to trade based on patterns and signals it sniffs out in markets and big data sets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"This work moves us further into the big data era of capturing, analyzing and sharing organismal shape and form," Economo said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Shares of Entergy were climbing on Friday after Google unveiled plans to built a big data center in Arkansas.

From Barron's • Oct. 3, 2025

The federal government is amalgamating a multitude of big data sources from individual agencies , including the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2025