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

In simulation tests, the MIGHTY trajectory-planning system completed tasks using only about 90 percent of the computation time required by leading existing methods while reaching destinations roughly 15 percent faster. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026

Previous iterations of Fernandes got the ball in high volume and favoured high-risk/high-reward computations. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 18 May 2026

The technical foundation is multi-party computation. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

That’s working off of that kind of computation. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 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