database

American  

[dey-tuh-beys] / ˈdeɪ təˌbeɪs /

Or data-base,

noun

1. a comprehensive collection of related data 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

Explanation

A database is an organized body of information. Libraries have lots of databases to help you find books, articles, or information. Looking for some information? You might need to check a database, probably at the library or online. A database collects a bunch of information and resources, usually on a common subject. Some databases feature newspapers; others are related to legal issues. The police use databases to track criminals, and the government uses databases to track terrorists. Anywhere there's information being collected and accessed, there's probably a database keeping track of it all.

Example Sentences

The database giant’s fiscal fourth-quarter revenue rose 21% year over year to $19.18 billion, surpassing the $19.10 billion FactSet consensus estimate.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

One group spent more than $5.8 million in opposition to the tax increase, boosted by six-figure contributions from the venture capitalist Michael Moritz and the Google co-founder Sergey Brin, according to the city’s campaign-finance database.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Peña: I don’t think that it’s going to be a threat because it’s working off of a database and whatever has been uploaded onto that particular AI.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The proxy statements warn that Palantir’s software is linked to Israel’s surveillance of Palestinians, ICE’s deportation and surveillance practices, and the reported creation of a U.S. multiagency database merging Americans’ data, among other projects.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

But somehow I doubted they'd be in any police database.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda