computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

-pyü-

1

a

: the act or action of computing : calculation

b

: the use or operation of a computer

2

: a system of reckoning

3

: an amount computed

computational

ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-pyü-

adjective

computationally adverb

Synonyms of computation

• calculation
• math
• arithmetic

Examples of computation in a Sentence

methods used for the computation of taxes

The solution required a series of computations.

Recent Examples on the Web

After a year and 40 pages of dense computations, the trio posted their paper in July 2025. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2026

In a nutshell, thermodynamic computing seeks to harness thermal noise—the ubiquitous microscopic jiggling of electrons caused by heat—to execute useful computation. — Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026

Experts say that because chips perform the advanced computations required for frontier AI systems, cutting off access to the chips is crucial to prevent geopolitical rivals from using AI systems for military or economic purposes. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 18 June 2026

This enables multiple simultaneous computations in a relatively simple way, with lower power requirements compared to conventional electronics. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for computation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or action of computing : calculation

2

: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means

3

: an amount computed

computational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective