bit bucket

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

An imaginary domain that accepts lost, discarded, or useless digital data that does not reach its intended destination, such as data lost in transmission or due to errors; the notional resting place of lost or missing digital information.

Register: humorous, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Applications [...] Overflow register (bit bucket)

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bit bucket” mean?

An imaginary domain that accepts lost, discarded, or useless digital data that does not reach its intended destination, such as data lost in transmission or due to errors; the notional resting place of lost or missing digital information.

Is “bit bucket” formal or informal?

bit bucket is generally humorous, slang.