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 Hunter has previously explored areas of the Ohio and Indiana frontier and was known for his ability to record the scientific data collected. Curtis Varnell The Timepiece, arkansasonline.com, 27 Oct. 2024 Thirteen schools could potentially close, or merge with others as part of Milwaukee Public Schools' long-term plans for its facilities, according to data released Friday. Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 26 Oct. 2024 If the early audience data holds up—if anything, there is likely to be a slight uptick in overall deliveries once the final live-same-day numbers are issued—this will mark the first World Series game to earn bragging rights as one of the year’s top 100 broadcasts since 2019. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Recent consumer survey data on iPhone sales points to a lack of growth for Apple , according to KeyBanc Capital Markets. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for datum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'datum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near datum

Cite this Entry

“Datum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/datum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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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