documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce documentation (audio)
-ˌmen-,
-kyü-
1
: the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents
2
a
: the provision of documents in substantiation
also : documentary evidence
b(1)
: the use of historical documents
(2)
: conformity to historical or objective facts
(3)
: the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence
3
4
: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware
documentational adjective

Examples of documentation in a Sentence

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation. Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases. Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making? The program's documentation is poorly written.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Intuitive design, clear documentation and strong customer support can significantly enhance adoption rates. Kristofer Mussar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 After the State Controller’s Office receives all required documentation, simple cash claims may be processed within 30 to 60 days, the agency said. Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 The supervisors adopted the ordinance with a few amendments, including a suggestion from Supervisor Jim Desmond to add a requirement for reasonable documentation of a tenant’s economic loss after a disaster. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 This context, along with the documentation her lawyer gathered, which included interviews with her siblings showing how her imprisonment had impacted them, was enough for a judge to grant her release from prison. Nathaly Triana, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for documentation

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of documentation was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Documentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/documentation. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

documentation

noun
doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce documentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
: the providing of documents as proof
2
: evidence in the form of documents
3
: written instructions for using a computer or computer program

More from Merriam-Webster on documentation

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