Date
/deɪt/
Definitions
5 meaningsA point in time, often identified by a specific day, month, and year.
/deɪt/
A specific day of the month or year.
What's the date today?
💡 Simply: It's like the day on a calendar! For example, today's date is November 8th, 2024.
👶 For kids: The date tells you the day, the month, and the year.
More Examples
The historical document has a date of 1812.
Please write the date at the top of your paper.
How It's Used
"The date of the meeting is set for next Tuesday."
"The historian researched the date of the Roman Empire's fall."
A meeting arranged for social interaction, especially with a romantic partner.
/deɪt/
A social appointment or meeting.
She had a date with him last night.
💡 Simply: It's when you spend time with someone you like! Like, you might go on a date to the park or to a restaurant.
👶 For kids: When you go somewhere fun with someone you like to have a good time.
More Examples
They're planning a date for Valentine's Day.
Going on a blind date can be exciting.
How It's Used
"They went on a date to the movies."
"He asked her out on a date."
To assign a date to; to determine the age of.
/deɪt/
To establish the date of something.
The scientists managed to date the pottery to the 15th century.
💡 Simply: To figure out when something happened or when it was made. Like, scientists might date an old bone to see how old it is.
👶 For kids: To find out when something happened.
More Examples
He couldn't date the letter because it was torn.
We're trying to date the photograph.
How It's Used
"Historians dated the artifact to the Bronze Age."
"Scientists are working to date ancient fossils."
To have a romantic relationship with someone.
/deɪt/
To have a romantic relationship.
They've been dating for two years.
💡 Simply: When you go out with someone you like, that means you're dating them!
👶 For kids: When you're spending time with someone you like.
More Examples
Are you dating anyone?
He is dating the girl next door.
How It's Used
"They've been dating for several months."
"Are you dating anyone right now?"
A sweet, edible fruit of the date palm.
/deɪt/
The fruit of the date palm.
He ate a date for a snack.
💡 Simply: A yummy, sweet fruit that grows on a tree.
👶 For kids: A sweet treat that grows on a tree!
More Examples
Dates are often used in desserts.
I love eating dates.
How It's Used
"Dates are often used in Middle Eastern cuisine."
"Dates are a good source of fiber."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
date someone
To have a romantic relationship with someone.
"She's been dating him for a year."
out of date
Old-fashioned or not current.
"That technology is out of date now."
to set a date
To fix a time for an event or meeting.
"Let's set a date for the wedding."
to go on a date
To go on a social outing with someone, usually romantically.
"They went on a date to the cinema."
From Old French *date* ('date'), from Latin *data* ('given'), the past participle of *dare* ('to give'). Initially referring to a given time, it later evolved to encompass events and social meetings.
The word 'date' in its time-related sense, has been used since the late 13th century, initially as an indication of time, later expanding to describe the day of an event.
Memory tip
Think of a calendar; the date is what's written on each box.
Word Origin
"to give; given"