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

However, until recently, these computations involved perfect mergers that always resulted in spheres instead of any other shapes. —Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026

The consequences of such an error, in the context of a computation where there is no cross-checking in place, can range from unnoticeable to catastrophic. —Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026

But AIs will just happily blast through those tedious computations. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

At the same time, AI chips require steady, uninterrupted power, even as their demand spikes during intensive computation. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Feb. 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