database

IPA/ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/
KK[dˈetəbˌes]IPA/ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/

database — noun

  • databasesingular
  • databasesplural

1. a computerized system that organizes and stores large amounts of data so that pe

1.nounB2
Definition

a computerized system that organizes and stores large amounts of data so that people can quickly find, add, or change information

Example

Aiko searched the hospital's database for patient records.

search + [type] database + for [information]

After the system crash, the IT team restored the database from a backup.

restore + database + from [backup]

Common collocations
  • search a database
  • update a database
  • access a database
  • create a database
  • maintain a database
  • customer database
  • patient database
  • inventory database
Synonyms
  • data store

    broader term that can refer to any storage location, including non-computerized systems

  • repository

    more formal, often used for collections of code, documents, or research data in institutional contexts

Grammar Patterns

[type of data] + database

database + [noun]

Usage Note

Frequently modified by a preceding noun that indicates what kind of data is stored, such as 'customer database', 'patient database', or 'employee database'.

Common Mistakes

I saved the file in the data base.
I saved the file in the database.
'database' is always written as one word in modern English.
The database is broken.
The database has crashed.' or 'The database is down.
for computer systems, use 'crash' or 'go down', not 'break'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While all these terms refer to collections of information, 'database' specifically means a computerized system designed for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of structured data. A 'data store' can be any storage location — including a filing cabinet or spreadsheet — but a 'database' typically uses specialized software with search capabilities. 'Repository' is more formal and often describes where code, documents, or research data are kept for long-term preservation. An 'archive' prioritizes historical preservation over active retrieval speed. For example, a hospital keeps patient records in a 'database' for daily use, while old medical files may be moved to an 'archive' for legal storage.

database ↗data storerepository ↗archive ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • customer database
  • patient database
  • employee database
  • inventory database
  • database system
  • database server
  • database administrator
  • database backup

Adverbs

Phrases

  • database management system
  • relational database
  • cloud database

Prepositions

  • in a database
  • database of [something]

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'database' is a compound of 'data' (from Latin 'datum', meaning 'something given') and 'base' (from Greek 'basis', via Latin and French, meaning 'foundation'). The term first appeared in the 1960s as computer technology advanced, describing organized collections of computerized information.