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

At the same time, AI chips require steady, uninterrupted power, even as their demand spikes during intensive computation. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

Lovable will provide building credits, or tokens, per participant, reducing the cost of AI computation for upper-level programming. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026

Bad software architecture forces unnecessary data transfers, redundant computations, and excessive resource use. —Arjun Sharma, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Feb. 2026

The likelihood of the quadruple happening is rated by Betfair’s computations at 5%. —Peter South, New York Times, 5 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