big data

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Computers. data sets, typically consisting of billions or trillions of records, that are so vast and complex that they require new and powerful computational resources to process.

   Supercomputers can analyze big data to create models of global climate change.

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big data British  

plural noun

1. computing data held in such large amounts that it can be difficult to process

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Etymology

Origin of big data

First recorded in 1975–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

We might think that sharing data about innocuous items we buy like soap and soft drinks is safe, but AI can, without our knowledge or consent, figure out our health, religion and politics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

The declaration commits to modernising vessel registries, better monitoring, and sharing data with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

The department said its policy already prohibits it from sharing data from plate readers, known as ALPR, with any entity that “does not have a lawful purpose for receiving it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

I remember just being on a bunch of these group listservs of scientists from around the world, sharing data, sharing data early.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2024

"One area of particular concern has been WhatsApp sharing data with other Meta companies," said Dr Tristan Henderson, lecturer in computer science at the University of St Andrews.

From BBC • May 28, 2024