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

"With further development and commercialization, this type of multidimensional holographic data storage could enable smaller data centers and more efficient large-scale archival storage, while also enhancing data processing and transmission efficiency," said Tan.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

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

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

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly