computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
-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 How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-pyü-
adjective
computationally adverb

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
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.
Like any other institution, the church and its 1.4 billion followers can benefit from artificial intelligence — by using it to streamline menial tasks, conduct deep research and tackle massive data computation. Motoko Rich, New York Times, 15 May 2025 This is a completely new way of doing computation based on the laws of physics at the atomic level. Jack Dongarra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025 His adviser, Peter May (opens a new tab), proposed the problem of dimension 126, which mathematicians thought was likely to involve massive computations. Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 2025 The additional niceties that many users include in their queries when using AI platforms add additional language computation to the request, which increases the energy used by the model. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for computation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of computation was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Computation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

computation

noun
com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
1
: the act or action of computing : calculation
2
: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means
3
: an amount computed
computational
-shnəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on computation

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