What does data mean?
Data refers to facts, figures, and other pieces of information collected for analysis, reference, or processing. It is historically the plural of the Latin-derived noun 'datum' (a single given fact), but in contemporary English it is almost always used as an uncountable mass noun, much like 'information': we speak of data being collected, stored, analysed, and shared rather than counted individually. The word dominates modern life through computing and science, where it describes everything from raw sensor readings to vast databases powering artificial intelligence. Collocations such as 'data analysis', 'raw data', and 'data set' are firmly established. Stylistically, formal and scientific writing sometimes preserves the older plural grammar ('the data indicate'), while everyday and journalistic usage prefers singular verbs ('the data indicates'). Both pronunciations — DAY-tuh and DAT-uh — are accepted, making data a rare English word with two fully standard spoken forms.
Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
"The study's data came from over ten thousand interviews."
Originally a plural; now usually treated as a mass noun with singular verbs.
Information in digital form that can be processed by a computer.
"Back up your data before installing the update."
As a Latin plural, data traditionally took plural verbs, but standard modern usage treats it as uncountable with singular verbs.
"The data was collected over a five-year period."
Data is literally Latin for 'things given' — every dataset you've ever touched is, etymologically speaking, a gift.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of data
Data comes directly from Latin, where it is the neuter plural of the past participle 'datum', meaning 'things given', from the verb 'dare', 'to give'. It entered English in the mid-seventeenth century as a term in logic and philosophy, denoting premises given as the basis for reasoning. Its modern dominance grew with the rise of statistics and, later, computing, which broadened it to mean any recorded information. It shares its root with words like 'date' and 'donation', all tracing back to the idea of giving.
Related word forms
How data is actually used
Strictly the plural of 'datum', but in modern usage data is overwhelmingly treated as an uncountable mass noun taking singular verbs ('the data shows'). The traditional plural construction ('the data show') persists mainly in formal scientific and academic writing. Both pronunciations — DAY-tuh and DAT-uh — are widely accepted, with DAY-tuh more common in American English and both current in British English.
Easily confused with data
Datum is the singular form meaning a single item of information, while data is its plural, though data is now often treated as a mass noun.