database

noun

da·​ta·​base ˈdā-tə-ˌbās How to pronounce database (audio)
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 The images are now included in a global atlas of fairy circles and a database that could help determine if these patterns demonstrate resilience to climate change. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Sep. 2023 Your thousands of digital photos are stored in private databases and shared on social media posts that are more likely to be forgotten than passed down like a photo album. Gabe Bullard, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023 The junta’s statement said the delay would be small and was due to several factors including a dispute with a French firm over a civil registry database. Reuters, CNN, 26 Sep. 2023 The commercial face recognition tools used by the FBI and other federal agencies attempt to match a photo of a suspect or victim to images of faces in databases that can contain millions of images. WIRED, 25 Sep. 2023 The California Department of Justice monitors individuals who legally purchase firearms under the Armed and Prohibited Persons System, a statewide database that cross-references purchases against other records. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2023 Earlier this year, a database posted online was claimed to contain over 200 million X usernames and email addresses. Chris Welch, The Verge, 20 Sep. 2023 The secretary of state's office says the new reporting system will be easier to use for those searching its online campaign finance database and for candidates filing their reports. Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2023 Still, extra federal cash allows libraries to purchase access to expensive databases including those focused on genealogy records, as well as to offer popular amenities such as summer reading programs, portable WiFi hotspots, adult classes and other initiatives for children. Hannah Natanson, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'database.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of database was circa 1962

Dictionary Entries Near database

Cite this Entry

“Database.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/database. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

database

noun
da·​ta·​base ˈdāt-ə-ˌbās How to pronounce database (audio)
ˈdat-,
 also  ˈdät-
: a collection of data that is organized especially to be used by a computer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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