documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce documentation (audio)
-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: the use of historical documents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
4
: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware
documentational adjective

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
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.
Clean documentation, efficient data transfer and compatible systems are essential for smooth acquisitions and ongoing management. Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 But Camero didn’t have proper documentation, which prompted a call to U.S. Border Patrol, and Camero was detained. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025 Federal case records show the company has not filed any documentation since Illston issued her ruling. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 May 2025 Ward's detention on April 21 came amid an immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, during which people with valid documentation—including green cards or visas—have been detained and face legal jeopardy. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for documentation

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of documentation was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Documentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/documentation. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

documentation

noun
doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce documentation (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on documentation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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