database

American  

[dey-tuh-beys] / ˈdeɪ təˌbeɪs /

Or data-base,

noun

1. a comprehensive collection of related data datum organized for convenient access, generally in a computer.

2. data bank.

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database British  

/ ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs /

noun

1. a systematized collection of data that can be accessed immediately and manipulated by a data-processing system for a specific purpose

2. informal any large store of information

   a database of knowledge

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database Scientific  

/ dā′tə-bās′,dăt′ə- /

1. A collection of data arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval by a computer.

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database Cultural  

1. A set of data grouped together in one location in (or accessible by) a computer. A computerized database has been likened to an electronic filing cabinet of information arranged for easy access or for a specific purpose.

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Etymology

Origin of database

First recorded in 1965–70; data + base ¹

Example Sentences

Bento is a co-author of a pre-print paper analyzing the recent drive in cases across the country, analyzing a database of 45 states encompassing over 50,000 schools in 3,000 counties.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Working with the FBI, Arlington police had finally solved the crime that summer through genetic genealogy, matching the killer’s DNA to relatives in a public database.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

“I’m sure in the database they have me at 5-11 and seven-eighths.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Investors are concerned that Oracle’s legacy database business will be disrupted by AI-native competitors.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

It was the only area of the database I couldn’t seem to access.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline