plural documents
1
: an official paper that gives information about something or that is used as proof of something
It is important to keep all of your financial documents in a safe place.
legal/official/historical documents
An important classified document has been leaked to the media.
2
: a computer file that contains text that you have written
creating a new document on your computer
I lost the document when the hard drive crashed.
documents; documented; documenting
1
: to create a record of (something) through writing, film, photography, etc.
Her study was the first to document this type of behavior in gorillas.
He wrote a book documenting their struggle.
2
: to prove (something) by using usually written evidence
Can you document the claims you're making?
The charges are well/fully documented.
Cite this Entry
“Document.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/document. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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