database
/ˈdeɪ.tə.beɪs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A database is an organized collection of information stored on a computer. It is made so people can search, update, and use the information easily.
- The customer details are stored in our database.
- I updated the database this morning.
- The app pulls data from a large database.
Adinary Nuance
A database is more structured than general data. It is also more specific than a file, because it stores information in an organized system for searching and updating. In everyday speech, people may say "system" or "records," but "database" is the best word for digital, organized information.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cơ sở dữ liệu
- Spanish
- base de datos
- Chinese
- 数据库
- Japanese
- データベース
- Korean
- 데이터베이스
Etymology
Database came into English in the 1960s, from data and base. It was created for computer and information storage.
Common phrases
database managementdatabase systemdatabase accessdatabase record
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is database a formal word?
- Yes. It is common in technical, academic, and business writing.
- What is the difference between database and spreadsheet?
- A spreadsheet is usually for simple tables. A database handles larger, more structured information.
- Can I say data base as two words?
- No. The standard spelling is one word: database.
- How do I use database in a sentence?
- You can say, "The information is stored in the database."