batch processing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “batch processing” mean?
A method of processing data or performing tasks where a collection (batch) of items is gathered and then processed all at once, without requiring individual user interaction during the operation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of processing data or performing tasks where a collection (batch) of items is gathered and then processed all at once, without requiring individual user interaction during the operation.
This approach contrasts with real-time or interactive processing. It is fundamental to computing, manufacturing, and business operations, emphasizing efficiency, automation, and the handling of large volumes of similar tasks in a single run.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling of related terms may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program'). The concept is identical.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. No specific regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in technical and business contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “batch processing” in a Sentence
perform batch processing on [data/files]run batch processing for [payroll/invoices]the batch processing of [applications/images]schedule batch processing to [occur/run]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “batch processing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is programmed to batch-process the invoices overnight.
- We need to batch-process these samples to save time.
American English
- The server will batch-process the data at midnight.
- The software allows you to batch-process images easily.
adverb
British English
- The files are handled batch-processing style to improve efficiency.
- It runs batch-processing-wise every hour.
American English
- Data is updated batch-processing fashion, not in real time.
- The system operates batch-processing mode after business hours.
adjective
British English
- The batch-processing schedule is crucial for the finance team.
- They implemented a new batch-processing routine.
American English
- We are looking for a batch-processing solution for our payroll.
- The batch-processing job failed due to a network error.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for payroll, end-of-day transactions, and report generation.
Academic
Common in computer science, data science, and engineering disciplines discussing system design.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used metaphorically (e.g., 'I do my emails in batch processing mode').
Technical
Central term in computing, manufacturing (batch production), and data management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “batch processing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “batch processing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “batch processing”
- Using 'batch' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I will batch the data' is less common than 'I will process the data in a batch').
- Confusing 'batch processing' with 'batch file' (the latter is a specific script file).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it remains highly relevant for tasks where immediacy is not critical but efficiency, resource optimisation, and handling large volumes are priorities, such as billing, report generation, and data backups.
The primary disadvantage is latency; there is a delay between data submission and results because the system waits to accumulate a batch before processing. This makes it unsuitable for real-time applications.
A dishwasher is a perfect example. You collect a batch of dirty dishes, load them all at once, run the wash cycle (processing), and unload the clean batch together, rather than washing each plate individually as it becomes dirty.
The most common opposite is real-time or interactive processing, where each task or transaction is processed immediately as it is received, like using an ATM or a live search engine.
A method of processing data or performing tasks where a collection (batch) of items is gathered and then processed all at once, without requiring individual user interaction during the operation.
Batch processing is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Batch processing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbætʃ ˌprəʊ.ses.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbætʃ ˌprɑː.ses.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a baker making a BATCH of cookies all at once in the oven (PROCESSING them together), rather than baking each cookie individually as someone orders it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROCESSING IS MANUFACTURING / WORK IS A GROUPED ENTITY
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of batch processing?