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.

---

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

---

database Scientific  

/ dā′tə-bās′,dăt′ə- /

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

---

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.

---

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

Wai started working as a Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport in December 2020, which gave him access to a vast database of information about foreign nationals in the UK.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The push on premarket home listings—Compass allows sellers to put homes for sale on its website before the larger database Multiple-Listing Service —was controversial, but led to other brokerages copying the strategy.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

DHS also expanded its use of Clearview AI, another facial-recognition database, which contains more than 70 billion photos.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Just this month, Facebook owner Meta; L.A.’s Snap, operator of Snapchat; and corporate database behemoth Oracle announced more.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

David Petrakis My Lab Partner is writing a database program to track who got in where.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson