data processing

American  

[dey-tuh pros-es-ing, dat-uh, dah-tuh] / ˈdeɪ tə ˌprɒs ɛs ɪŋ, ˈdæt ə, ˈdɑ tə /

noun

1. processing of information, especially the handling of information by computers in accordance with strictly defined procedures and operations, as aggregation, sorting, analysis, or validation. DP

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data processing British  

noun

1. 1. a sequence of operations performed on data, esp by a computer, in order to extract information, reorder files, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a data-processing centre

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data processing Cultural  

1. Either the preparation of data for processing by a computer, or the storage and processing of raw data by the computer itself.

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Other Word Forms

• data processor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of data processing

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

data processing

In addition to being fined, Google has also been ordered to bring its data processing into compliance within six months.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

Such an arrangement could support more simultaneous and sophisticated forms of data processing.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 17, 2026

Prof Zuntz says we need more data processing ability and more computing power to understand what is being gathered on state-of-the-art telescopes.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

In the wake of the SpaceX IPO, investors can expect global communications and AI data processing — both via satellites — to be important themes for many years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

With a little luck and some hard work, he predicted, Sasha might be able to hold down a low-level job doing data processing.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater