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

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

But Palantir insists it simply provides powerful data processing services that can help surface nuggets of useful information in the flood available to government agencies and big companies.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

This approach is essential for applications in secure communication, data processing, and quantum computing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Another rough month means the information sector, which includes telecommunications, data processing and IT workers, has shed more than 300,000 jobs since its recent peak in late 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 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