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.
Synonyms
Examples of datum in a Sentence
Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024
Today, about 19% of Americans identify as Hispanic or Latinx, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, up from 16% in 2010.
—Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 3 May 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.
Dictionary Entries Near datum
Cite this Entry
“Datum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/datum. Accessed 6 May. 2024.
Copy Citation
Share