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 designation will mean additional resources for the state caucus, such as databases and elevating Statehouse candidates to a national platform, which can help draw contributions to their campaigns from across the country. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025

Because state agencies did not record nearly half of the spending in the state’s online contracting database, reporters tracked the money by tracing 29-digit account codes and 6-digit object codes across three state databases. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

The database is wrong, but staffers are getting hefty bonuses. —Megan De Mar, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Historically, Oracle grew through sales of its database software and business applications. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

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