DictionaryAI

data

noun
DAY-tuh/ˈdeɪ.tə/SayDAH-tuhUK/ˈdɑː.tə/[ˈdäː.ɾə]

3 meanings of data

Practice

  1. 1
    factsnouncollectiveuncountable
    Facts, figures, or observations collected or recorded as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation (treated as plural, as the plural of datum, or as singular).

    Like the readings an engineer takes from instruments before drawing any conclusion.

    The committee based its recommendation on data gathered over five years.

    Survey data showed a clear shift in public opinion about the new policy.

    UsageSay this data shows or, more formally, these data show; count with data points (not incorrect: datas).

    Similarinformation (entry), facts, figures, statistics, evidence

  2. 2
    computer informationnouncollectiveuncountable
    Information represented inside a computer (such as symbols, numbers, sound, images, or video) that is stored, processed, or transmitted.

    Like the contents of a library, but encoded so machines can read and move it instantly.

    The backup server copies critical data every night.

    Compressing the file reduces how much data must travel across the network.

    UsageUsually takes a singular verb, with much and less: too much data is, less data.

    Similarinformation (entry)

    Note

    Computing's sense names whatever a machine stores and moves, whatever the medium: electrical signals, magnetic tape, punched cards.

    Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

    • Computer data can be stored on different media and transmitted as electrical signals. en.wikipedia.org
    • Magnetic tape is a medium for storing computer data. en.wikipedia.org
    • Punched cards are a medium for storing computer data. en.wikipedia.org
  3. 3
    phone internetnoununcountableabbreviationellipsis
    Internet access and information carried over a mobile phone network rather than Wi-Fi, or the amount of it a phone plan allows (short for mobile data).

    Streaming music on the train burns through my data.

    Her plan includes unlimited data, so she rarely bothers connecting to Wi-Fi.

    UsageTreated like money you spend: run out of data, use up your data, unlimited data.

    Note

    Phone talk clips mobile data to the bare noun and treats it as an allowance you buy and use up.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of data apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

Latin dō ("I give") has the neuter past participle datum ("that which is given"), and English borrowed its nominative plural, data. Date is a doublet.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts