database

noun

da·​ta·​base ˈdā-tə-ˌbās 

ˈda-

also ˈdä-

computers

: a usually large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval (as by a computer)

an online database

database transitive verb

Examples of database in a Sentence

All of our customers' information was kept in a database.

Recent Examples on the Web

This library—technically a vector database, mathematically indexed for connected meanings rather than just keywords—is the first place the system looks for an answer. —Erik German, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

Right now, the comet is hovering just below magnitude +6, according to the Comet Observation database, so already technically on the edge of naked-eye visibility under very dark night skies. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026

That process includes submitting basic information like your name, home address, date of birth and Social Security number to be added to a national database. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026

Eligible men are already required to register with the Selective Service System, which oversees the database of people who could be called for service in the event of a military draft. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for database

• aerospace
• anatase
• anyplace
• commonplace
• cyberspace
• diabase
• diastase
• dnase
• elastase
• fireplace
• hyperspace
• interface

Kids Definition

database

noun

da·​ta·​base ˈdāt-ə-ˌbās 

ˈdat-

also ˈdät-

: a collection of data that is organized especially to be used by a computer