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.
Irina Manta, a law professor at Hofstra University, began building a database of denaturalization cases. Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 Each year, the Charlotte Observer updates its public pay database with the salaries for all CMS employees. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025 The agency uses a combination of official sources, interviews with family members and news stories to put together its database. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 However, 6 million citizens have not updated their details on the government database as required by the new law. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 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 Feb. 2025.

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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