datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdā-təm  ˈda- 

ˈdä-

1

plural data ˈdā-tə  ˈda- 

also

ˈdä-  : something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference

an important historical datum

This enormous expense—and considerable risk—to pick up a datum or two about geriatrics?

—Charles Krauthammer

2

plural datums, mathematics : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring

measuring the distance between datum points

… make things more efficient for those of us whose work requires a time datum.

—Robert Steinbrunn

Is data singular or plural?: Usage Guide

Data comes from the plural of datum, a technical word that refers to a single piece of information. Data continues to function as a plural, especially in technical and formal writing, taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few).

The data are compelling.

These data are incorrect.

More data are needed.

As for the data currently available, they are inconclusive.

More commonly, however, data refers to masses or collections of pieces of information, and functions much like the word information itself, taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little).

The data is compelling.

Little data is available.

That data is flawed.

Is this data accurate?

As for the data we've seen, it's inconclusive.

Both constructions are standard.

Synonyms of datum

• fact
• detail

Examples of datum in a Sentence

let's begin our discussion of this matter with a datum from actual experience

Recent Examples on the Web

Los Angeles Police Department Detective William Roecker also testified Thursday, describing his review of cell-tower data linked to Burke’s phone and location data from his Tesla. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026

That’s the conclusion of new data from Generation Research, a specialist company that tracks the duty-free and travel retail market. — Kapila Ireland, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Two oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of Saudi crude are sailing through the Gulf of Aden, having successfully traversed the Bab al-Mandeb Strait despite Houthi threats to disrupt Saudi shipping, tracking data shows. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

According to annual survey data, the median tenure of California’s public safety employees has doubled since 1983. — Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of datus

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing datum

• sense-datum

Rhymes for datum

• atom
• stratum
• erratum
• striatum
• substratum
• heteroatom
• petrolatum

Kids Definition

datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdāt-əm  ˈdat- 

ˈdät-

plural data -ə  or datums

: something used as a basis for reasoning or arriving at a conclusion or for calculating or measuring