# data

/ˈdætə/ (US) · /dˈeɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/data
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 2. computing

noun · CEFR A2 · Technical

information that is stored or used by a computer.

For teachers: information in a digital form that can be processed, stored, or transmitted by a computer system.

- The computer needs more time to process all the data from the experiment.
- The system is designed to encrypt sensitive data before it is transmitted across the public network to ensure user privacy.

### 3. mobile internet

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

the internet connection you use on your phone when you are not using Wi-Fi.

For teachers: digital information transmitted via a cellular network rather than a local wireless connection.

- I cannot watch the video right now because I am running out of data.
- Many travellers purchase a local SIM card to avoid expensive roaming charges for data while they use while navigating a foreign city.

## Examples

- The computer is still processing the data.
- Scientists collected data from the weather stations to predict the path of the storm.
- The research team spent months gathering qualitative data through interviews before beginning the statistical analysis required to validate their initial hypothesis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.