data file

noun

variants or less commonly datafile
ˈdā-tə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce data file (audio)
ˈda-,
 also  ˈdä-
plural data files also datafiles
: a digital file on which data is stored
Call a professional and check your system before trying to insert that recovery disk. If the disk is readable, your important data files can be copied before any reinstalling activity starts.George Cox

Examples of data file in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investigators use genetic genealogy to solve cold cases by using suspect DNA collected from a crime scene, analyzing it, and converting it into a raw data file. Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 That includes when a campaign staffer accidentally downloads a malicious file or when a hacker corrupts a key data file. Sam Sabin, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 The researchers also submitted the evidence to Harvard, which ran its own investigation that included interviewing the researchers involved and examining many of the original data files behind the paper. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024 University administrators usually have access to researchers’ original data files, which, in some cases, can be at risk of becoming conveniently misplaced. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2024 The current Starliner's computer system would need to be updated with fresh data files, and flight controllers would need to brush up on the procedures, but that work can be done in time to support a mid September return. William Harwood, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2024 This happened after the hackers got access to the coding of TAD data files, locking access to them. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2024 The report found that many hospitals' data files were missing prices or didn't have prices clearly associated with both insurance provider and plan. Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 There is no co-mingling of data files which are shared and returned via encrypted FTP, and the Intelligent MPI Triage Solution never accesses the client's system. Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of data file was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near data file

Cite this Entry

“Data file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/data%20file. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!