doc·u·men·ta·ry
ˌdä-kyə-ˈmen-tə-rē 
-ˈmen-trē,
-kyü-
1
: being or consisting of documents : contained or certified in writing
documentary evidence
2
: of, relating to, or employing documentation (see documentation sense 2) in literature or art
plural documentaries
: a presentation (such as a film or novel) expressing or dealing with factual events : a documentary presentation
Examples of documentary in a Sentence
Adjective
You must present documentary proof of your residence.
a documentary film about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor
Noun
We watched a documentary on the early history of jazz.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2025
The documentary photographer died at his home in Bristol, in southwest England, the statement posted on the website of the Martin Parr Foundation said.
—Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
According to the documentary, George’s brother had also told Carroll that his side of the family believed George was killed.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for documentary
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.
Adjective
Some of the biggest names in documentary film will be descending on Park City, Utah next month for the final edition of Sundance in the mountain town.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2025
The documentary photographer died at his home in Bristol, in southwest England, the statement posted on the website of the Martin Parr Foundation said.
—Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
The former couple last stepped out at an industry event together in June, at a 2025 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of the documentary Room To Move.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
According to the documentary, George’s brother had also told Carroll that his side of the family believed George was killed.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for documentary
Cite this Entry
“Documentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/documentary. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
documentary
1 of 2 adjective
doc·u·men·ta·ry
ˌdäk-yə-ˈment-ə-rē
-ˈmen-trē
1
: consisting of documents
also
: being in writing
documentary proof
2
: presenting actual events or facts about something
a documentary film
documentary
2 of 2 noun
plural documentaries
: a documentary presentation (as a film or novel)
Legal Definition
documentary
adjective
doc·u·men·ta·ry
ˌdä-kyə-ˈmen-tə-rē
: being, consisting of, or contained in documents
documentary evidence
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share