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

It’s illegal for officers to access that database for non-official reasons.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Last year it registered trademarks in 12 different product categories in Australia, according to a government intellectual property database.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

To get a more accurate and comprehensive analysis of age-related disparities, the analysis starts by constructing a new dataset that links actual housing transactions in the CoreLogic Deeds database to ages in voter-registration records.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

This information, too, is fed into the resort’s database.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

He tried without success to get into archive editions of Forverts, but seeing as he had no Yiddish and limited ability to access any kind of database, he quickly exhausted his search.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny