data

American  

[dey-tuh, dat-uh] / ˈdeɪ tə, ˈdæt ə /

noun

1. (usually used with a singular verb) information in digital format, as encoded text or numbers, or multimedia images, audio, or video.

   The data was corrupted and can’t be retrieved.

   Data is entered for immediate processing by the computer.

2. (used with a singular verb) a body of facts; information.

   Additional data is available from the president of the firm.

3. (used with a plural verb) individual facts, statistics, or items of information.

   These data represent the results of our analyses.

4. a plural of datum.

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data British  

/ ˈdeɪtə, ˈdɑːtə /

plural noun

1. a series of observations, measurements, or facts; information

2. Also called: information.  computing the information operated on by a computer program

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Usage

Data is a plural of datum, which is originally a Latin noun meaning “something given.” Today, data is used in English both as a plural noun meaning “facts or pieces of information” ( These data are described more fully elsewhere ) and as a singular mass noun meaning “information” ( Not much data is available on flood control in Brazil ). It is usually treated as a plural in scientific and academic writing. In the digital or computer sense it is almost always treated as a mass noun and used with a singular verb. In other types of writing it is either singular or plural. The Latinate singular datum meaning “a piece of information” is now rare in all types of writing. In surveying and civil engineering, where datum has specialized senses, the plural form is datums.

Although now often used as a singular noun, data is properly a plural

Other Word Forms

• predata noun

Etymology

Origin of data

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin, plural of datum ( def. )

Example Sentences

Ukraine has for months been downing more than 80 percent of all incoming Russian missiles and drones -- typically fired in their hundreds every night -- according to AFP analysis of Kyiv's air force data.

From Barron's

Researchers analyzed the internet browsing data of thousands of households between 2021 and 2024, and found that those who used ChatGPT ended up with extra time for gaming, social media and video streaming.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Labs also had to figure out ways to create underwater conduits, as well as switching centers that could manage the growing number of customers and escalating amounts of data.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Extending our survey season and location means a better range of data, which will provide further insights into the plight of our insects."

From BBC

Hedge funds and other speculators are positioning for further gains, according to Commodity Futures Trading Commission data.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dossier
• evidence
• goods
• info
• input
• knowledge
• picture
• statistics
• testimony