metadata

noun

meta·da·ta ˌme-tə-ˈdā-tə

-ˈda-,

also -ˈdä-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: data that provides information about other data

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How Metadata Was Formed

It's easy to find data on the source of "metadata": the word was formed by combining "data" with "meta-," which means "transcending" and is often used to describe a new but related discipline designed to deal critically with the original one. "Meta-" was first used in that way in "metaphysics" and has been extended to a number of other disciplines, giving us such words as "metapsychology" and "metamathematics." "Metadata" takes the "transcending" aspect a step further, applying it to the concept of pure information instead of a discipline. "Metadata" is a fairly new word (it appeared in the latter half of the 20th century), whereas "data" can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century.

Examples of metadata in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

This includes collecting metadata about inputs such as data and models, as well as how and where the outputs will be used. —

Guru Sethupathy, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The Verizon breach likely gave the hackers access to—at the very least—metadata about who the candidates were speaking with and when. —

Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024 Only non-sensitive metadata, like modification dates, country code for address formatting, favorite markings, and password hints, are stored unencrypted for necessary functional purposes. —

PCMAG, 27 Sep. 2024 This involves selecting specific attributes and criteria, such as user interactions or content metadata, to ensure the algorithms generate relevant and meaningful recommendations for end-users. —

Goran Paun, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metadata