datum

noun

da·​tum ˈdā-təm How to pronounce datum (audio) ˈda- How to pronounce datum (audio)
ˈdä-
1
plural data ˈdā-tə How to pronounce datum (audio) ˈda- How to pronounce datum (audio)
also
ˈdä- How to pronounce datum (audio)
: something given or admitted especially as a basis for reasoning or inference
an important historical datum
This enormous expense—and considerable risk—to pick up a datum or two about geriatrics?Charles Krauthammer
2
plural datums, mathematics : something used as a basis for calculating or measuring
measuring the distance between datum points
… make things more efficient for those of us whose work requires a time datum.Robert Steinbrunn
Is data singular or plural?: Usage Guide

Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (such as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns (such as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (such as this, much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates it.

Examples of datum in a Sentence

let's begin our discussion of this matter with a datum from actual experience
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.
Professional services businesses have been early adopters of AI, according to other Census Bureau data, second only to technology firms. Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 23 Mar. 2025 At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2025 The first is a 50GB plan that costs $50 per month; that 50GB refers to the data cap per monthly billing cycle, with additional data costing more money. PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for datum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of datus

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of datum was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Datum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/datum. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

datum

noun
da·​tum ˈdāt-əm How to pronounce datum (audio) ˈdat- How to pronounce datum (audio)
ˈdät-
plural data -ə How to pronounce datum (audio) or datums
: something used as a basis for reasoning or arriving at a conclusion or for calculating or measuring

More from Merriam-Webster on datum

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