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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Product recalls: Check USA TODAY's database for latest recall news What space heaters are being recalled? Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024 Knowledge graphs can also federate multiple databases together, natively bringing together disparate data. Brian Platz, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The hacker is offering the database for $20,000 and demanding that Hot Topic pay $100,000 to prevent its sale. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 The database was used to rally gun owners’ electoral support for the industry’s candidates running for the White House and Congress. Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for database 

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 2 Dec. 2024.

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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