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

Encrypting data while still allowing computation on that data has been possible for years, but often too slow or expensive for large-scale production systems. — Christian Pusateri, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

The data centers performing the computations used in AI are creating a huge demand for electricity, which could be a strain on the power grid. — Josh Boak, Fortune, 17 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