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 leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (such as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.

Synonyms

• detail
• fact
• nicety
• particular
• particularity
• point
• specific

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

To this end, applications may access or retain sensitive information, potentially compromising data privacy and resulting in regulatory violations. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 13 May 2025

Action: Determine if teams have comprehensive knowledge of all the participants (i.e., users, applications, data and devices) across your entire environment and, if not, what’s required to attain that. —Martin Roesch, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

What Happens Next The UV index forecast map is created daily using National Weather Service (NWS) forecast data. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

Despite Veolia’s low levels, Idaho overall has among the highest levels of naturally fluoridated water in the country, according to a graphic from The Washington Post that used CDC data to show nationwide fluoride levels. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 May 2025

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