# metadata

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metadata
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. data about data

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

information that describes other data, helping you understand what it is or where it came from.

For teachers: data that provides information about other data, serving as an informative label for identification or discovery.

- The library uses metadata to help people find books by their author or subject.
- Effective metadata management is essential for large-scale digital archives to ensure that assets remain searchable across different platforms and decades.

Usage: Usually treated as an uncountable noun in general contexts, though 'metadatum' exists as a rare singular form.

### 2. file properties

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

hidden information inside a digital file, like the date it was created or the type of camera used.

For teachers: structured information embedded within or associated with a file, such as timestamps, authorship, and technical specifications.

- When you upload a photo, the metadata often shows exactly where you took it.
- Privacy advocates warn that metadata attached to document files can inadvertently leak sensitive information about a company's internal network structure.

## Examples

- The metadata shows that this document was created yesterday.
- When you upload a video, the metadata includes the title, tags, and description to help people find it in search results.
- Effective digital archiving relies on consistent metadata to ensure that researchers can filter through thousands of files by date, location, and subject matter.

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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.