documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-, 

-kyü-

1

: the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents

2

a

: the provision of documents in substantiation

also : documentary evidence

b(1)

: the use of historical documents

(2)

: conformity to historical or objective facts

(3)

: the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence

3

: information science

4

: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware

documentational

ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌmen-, 

-kyü-

adjective

Synonyms of documentation

• evidence
• proof
• testimony

Examples of documentation in a Sentence

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation.

Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases.

Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making?

The program's documentation is poorly written.

Recent Examples on the Web

The process of applying for legal status or citizenship involves regular recordkeeping and documentation—proof of an immigrant’s day-to-day existence that Xu picks up on visually by borrowing and blowing up some of that proof, such as keepsakes and selfies. —Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025

Thin rice noodles on the service table were missing documentation indicating time as a public health control. —Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Also, carriers will expand the share of electronic prior authorization approvals answered in real time to at least 80% in 2027, if all needed clinical documentation is submitted. —Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Refugees already face declining access to medical and social support, as well as growing pressure tied to documentation and residency concerns. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for documentation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the providing of documents as proof

2

: evidence in the form of documents

3

: written instructions for using a computer or computer program