data processing

noun

: the converting of raw data to machine-readable form and its subsequent processing (such as storing, updating, rearranging, or printing out) by a computer
data processor noun

Examples of data processing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Many startups begin with cloud services to reduce initial costs, but as the company grows, the computing side of data processing gets expensive quickly. Ari Jacoby, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 According , Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing—data processing that takes place on a or , rather than on the cloud or external servers—for privacy. Thomas Westerholm, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 First, traditional business apps will lose their individuality, becoming merely data processing engines behind the AI assistant. Evgeny Grigul, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 These systems use quantum computing for tasks like secure key generation and distribution, while traditional computers handle broader data processing. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for data processing 

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of data processing was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near data processing

Cite this Entry

“Data processing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/data%20processing. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

data processing

noun
: the action or process of putting data into a computer and having the computer use it to produce a desired result

More from Merriam-Webster on data processing

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