datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdā-təm  ˈda- 

ˈdä-

1

plural data ˈdā-tə  ˈda- 

also

ˈdä-  : something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference

an important historical datum

This enormous expense—and considerable risk—to pick up a datum or two about geriatrics?

—Charles Krauthammer

2

plural datums, mathematics : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring

measuring the distance between datum points

… make things more efficient for those of us whose work requires a time datum.

—Robert Steinbrunn

Is data singular or plural?: Usage Guide

Data comes from the plural of datum, a technical word that refers to a single piece of information. Data continues to function as a plural, especially in technical and formal writing, taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few).

The data are compelling.

These data are incorrect.

More data are needed.

As for the data currently available, they are inconclusive.

More commonly, however, data refers to masses or collections of pieces of information, and functions much like the word information itself, taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little).

The data is compelling.

Little data is available.

That data is flawed.

Is this data accurate?

As for the data we've seen, it's inconclusive.

Both constructions are standard.

Synonyms of datum

• fact
• detail

Examples of datum in a Sentence

let's begin our discussion of this matter with a datum from actual experience

Recent Examples on the Web

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. —ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026

Last year, Telemundo increased its audience for its evening news, anchored by Julio Vaqueiro, by 11% over the previous year, according to Nielsen data. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

More than 270 people have died on city streets since the pledge, according to city data, and Sacramento ranked second-worst among California’s 15 largest cities for injury and fatal crashes, with 4,214 people killed or injured in 2023. —Chris Fusco. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026

By carefully analyzing the neutron data, the team could calculate the QFI for a material—and from that, infer how deeply entangled its internal particles are. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of datus

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing datum

• sense-datum

Rhymes for datum

• atom
• stratum
• erratum
• striatum
• substratum
• heteroatom
• petrolatum

Kids Definition

datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdāt-əm  ˈdat- 

ˈdät-

plural data -ə  or datums

: something used as a basis for reasoning or arriving at a conclusion or for calculating or measuring