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-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-pyü-

adjective

computationally adverb

Synonyms

• 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

Those models require huge amounts of computation to make very narrow predictions. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025

That means bridging the gap between verifiable computation and regulated capital. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The fact that companies are now buying their own power plants rather than relying on existing grids reveals how our exponential appetite for computation has outpaced our ability to power it responsibly. —Baris Saydag, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025

In the lab, Goldie’s thoughts circled and surrounded the minutiae of analysis and computation, sorted microscopic comparisons, developed overviews that laid out sequences and processes logically and accurately in theories not otherwise comprehensible. —Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025

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