# dataset

/ˈdeɪtəˌsɛt/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dataset
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a collection of related information or facts that a computer can process. It is usually organized in a way that makes it easy for researchers or programs to analyze.

For teachers: a structured collection of data, typically organized into a specific format for computational analysis. Often used in the context of statistics, machine learning, and scientific research.

## Examples

- The researchers analyzed a large dataset of weather patterns.
- To train the new software, the engineers used a dataset containing millions of high-resolution images.
- The study's conclusions were drawn from a longitudinal dataset that tracked the health outcomes of five thousand participants over a twenty-year period.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with verbs like 'analyze', 'collect', or 'clean'.

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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.