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

The Atlantic and Associated Press first reported on the agency database. — Joe Heim, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Aguilar also testified that investigators searched federal and state computerized fingerprint databases without finding a match. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

The cameras record information — including plate number, make, model, color and distinguishing markings such as bumper stickers — on all vehicles in their view, then store it in a searchable database. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

An independent volleyball league allowed Richardson to coach at several of its tournaments even after his name appeared on SafeSport’s database. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 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