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: the use of historical documents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.
As reported in Harvard Business Review, U.S. physicians spend 34% to 55% of their workday on documentation and EHR reviews—cutting into face time with patients and weakening the patient-provider relationship. Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Mesa’s Parks and Recreation Department’s overtime authorization process requires direct supervisor approval and documentation of justification, according to the city. Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025 The conference resolutions and tribunal documentation were sent to the presidents of the U.S. and Mexico, Ronald Reagan and Jose López Portillo, which laid the groundwork for the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Jimmy Patino, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025 The documentation can be even stronger by keeping a symptom diary. Megan Pregmon, Flow Space, 23 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Documentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/documentation. Accessed 29 Jul. 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

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