metadata

noun

meta·​da·​ta ˌme-tə-ˈdā-tə How to pronounce metadata (audio)
-ˈda-,
 also  -ˈdä-
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: data that provides information about other data

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How Metadata Was Formed

It's easy to find data on the source of "metadata": the word was formed by combining "data" with "meta-," which means "transcending" and is often used to describe a new but related discipline designed to deal critically with the original one. "Meta-" was first used in that way in "metaphysics" and has been extended to a number of other disciplines, giving us such words as "metapsychology" and "metamathematics." "Metadata" takes the "transcending" aspect a step further, applying it to the concept of pure information instead of a discipline. "Metadata" is a fairly new word (it appeared in the latter half of the 20th century), whereas "data" can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century.

Examples of metadata in a Sentence

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.
Solutions here include Philips Hue, which requires a Hue Bridge, and can integrate with Spotify’s API, analyzing the metadata for more precise reactions. Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Importantly, Signal doesn’t collect or store metadata about who is calling or texting whom, information that can often be nearly as sensitive as the content of conversations. Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 16 June 2025 Appointment records also contained metadata such as timestamps and institutional identifiers. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025 From automating document analysis, enhancing metadata extraction and providing advanced search capabilities, legal professionals can be empowered to efficiently manage and access their firm's knowledge assets without significant change management disruption. Dan Hauck, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for metadata

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metadata was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Metadata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metadata. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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