metadata
noun
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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
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
One of the core issues is that many platforms still depend on basic file scans or metadata checks during the game submission process.
—Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Plex is also building a new API for server integrations, with the ability to create custom metadata agents.
—Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025
The Context This leak could enable widespread phishing and identity scams by correlating email addresses with detailed metadata, including usernames, tweet history, and location data.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metadata
Cite this Entry
“Metadata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metadata. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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