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

It should be noted that this is not a new breach of the services involved, and most likely is a database made up of data from past breaches and infostealer logs. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Using a data-removal service helps delete this information from broker databases, shrinking your digital footprint and limiting what attackers can piece together. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Residents also worry that the video APD collects will be shared with Flock, the company working with APD on this project, to enhance its AI program and build databases. —Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026

The two richest resources for finding info about agents are Poets & Writers, a magazine and website, and the web-only database Publishers Marketplace. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 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