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: the use of historical documents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

Historical classification files, supplier certifications, routing documentation, communications with logistics providers and internal compliance manuals and training records are among the assets Bini said companies should be compiling with a high level of diligence. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026

The building is landmarked, and there was no documentation of the terrace — just the exterior photos showing the parapets and columns on the prow of the 18th and 19th floors. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Jan. 2026

Travel experts advise passengers to keep all receipts and documentation in case refunds or reimbursements become available. —Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026

Right-to-repair laws in Colorado and Washington are now in force, requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation needed to fix a wide range of consumer electronics. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

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