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What is the Meaning of “Date”?

Showing meaning 1 of 3 · Date has 3 distinct meanings in English.

Date
/deɪt/

A particular day shown as a number and month, like May 15th or March 3rd.

Definition of Date (meaning 1 of 3 — noun)

Quick Meaning of Date

A particular day shown as a number and month, like May 15th or March 3rd.

Detailed Definition of Date

A specific day of the month or year, indicated by a number or day name.

How to Pronounce Date

IPA: /deɪt/
date

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: Rhymes with 'gate' and 'late'. Single syllable, pronounced like 'dayt'.

Full pronunciation guide for “date” →

Other Meanings of Date

“Date” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 2:

#2 Date as a noun

A2 informal

When two people spend time together to get to know each other romantically.

Example: “Sarah has a date with her boyfriend on Saturday evening.” A2
Synonyms: outing meeting romantic meeting
Common phrase: go on a date
View full entry for this meaning →

#3 Date as a noun

A2

A small, sweet, brown fruit that grows on palm trees in hot climates.

Example: “She ate a handful of dates and almonds for a healthy snack.” A2
Synonyms: fruit date fruit palm fruit
Common phrase: dried dates
View full entry for this meaning →

Origin and Etymology of Date

Latin data (given), from dare (to give).

How to Use Date in a Sentence

Each example shows “date” in the meaning “A particular day shown as a number and…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “The date of the meeting is next Friday, April 18th.”
    A1 daily
  • “What is today's date?”
    A1 conversation
  • “Write the date in the top right corner of your essay.”
    A2 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Date

Common Synonyms for Date

Smart Synonyms for Date — When to Use Each

day
for casual reference to a calendar position
calendar date
when emphasizing formal documentation or scheduling

See all synonyms for “date” →

Common Collocations with Date

These phrases pair with “date” in everyday English:

  • what date
  • today's date
  • due date
  • expiration date
  • birth date

Common Mistakes When Using Date

Even fluent speakers slip up with “date”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: The date of my birthday is December 25.
✓ Correct: My birthday date is December 25.
Why: 'Date of' is redundant when 'date' already means a specific calendar day.
✗ Wrong: I forgot the date.
✓ Correct: I forgot what the date was.
Why: Without 'what' or 'when', the sentence feels incomplete in formal writing.

Other Forms of Date

Frequently Asked Questions About Date

What is the meaning of "Date"?

A particular day shown as a number and month, like May 15th or March 3rd.

How do you pronounce "Date"?

The IPA is /deɪt/. Rhymes with 'gate' and 'late'. Single syllable, pronounced like 'dayt'.

What part of speech is "Date"?

"Date" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Date"?

Common synonyms include day, calendar day, specific day.

How do you use "Date" in a sentence?

For example: "The date of the meeting is next Friday, April 18th."

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