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

Nvidia has been able to expand its networking revenue with its Spectrum-X Ethernet platform, Network Interface Cards and BlueField data processing units, he added.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

The first is the move from CPUs to GPUs for tasks like data processing.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

It said the U.S. “stood out,” with imports of semiconductors alone surging by 36%, while purchases of servers and automatic data processing machines grew by 10%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Lonestar says that putting them on the Moon will offer customers secure, reliable data processing, while taking advantage of unlimited solar energy to power them.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025

Electronic data processing machines brought otherwise unattainable power and efficiency to the research process.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly