calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result of an act of calculating
2
a
: studied care in analyzing or planning
b
: cold heartless planning to promote self-interest
calculational adjective

Examples of calculation in a Sentence

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years. The computer can do millions of calculations each second. Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel. The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies. His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.
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.
Many presentations touched on the wonders that such quantum computers can theoretically perform — calculations that are effectively impossible for any computer chip built from silicon transistors. Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025 In 2023, city commissioners passed a resolution similar to Wednesday night’s, demanding that the county study lead emissions at North Perry Airport after a Sun Sentinel investigation that revealed North Perry ranks fifth in the country for lead emissions based on EPA calculations. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025 The bookings forecast for the current period represents an 18% to 21% growth rate, according to Bloomberg calculations, faster than the 17% gain in second-quarter bookings. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025 In the first quarter, growth fell 0.5% amid the swell in imports, which subtract from the GDP calculation. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calculation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calculacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French calculacione, borrowed from Late Latin calculātiōn-, calculātiō, from calculāre "to count, calculate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

calculation

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result obtained by calculation
2
: care in planning : caution

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