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

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.

The hackers stole a large amount of metadata, the FBI and CISA said. —

Bill Chappell, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024 But there is a risk to ordinary individuals, too, as hackers collected large amounts of metadata. —

Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024 Ask Photos, Photo Stacks, and Document Center can retrieve metadata like dates and locations, recognize people and documents, and help users find specific memories or important files in seconds. —

Tom D’agustino, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 The hacking campaign accessed the metadata of more than a million people, an industry source briefed on the matter said. —

Kevin Collier, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metadata