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: the use of historical documents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

All of the documentation—maps, resort brochures, etc—is in English and Chinese, and while the team might not be fluent in the English language, there’s little a bit of Google Translate can’t fix. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026

One of the soldiers is also accused of transferring to an Iranian foreign agent materials from his military training related to fighter jet systems, as well as documentation of facilities and areas within a military base. —Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

The agency does not require lead inspectors, who are chosen by individual property owners — not the department — to submit evidence along with their inspection results, only to retain that documentation for review upon request. —Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2026

Receive documentation from the court confirming your authority to act on behalf of the estate. —Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 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