computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
-pyü-
Synonyms of computationnext
1
a
: the act or action of computing : calculation
b
: the use or operation of a computer
2
: a system of reckoning
3
: an amount computed
computational
ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-pyü-
adjective
computationally adverb

Synonyms of computation

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Examples of computation in a Sentence

methods used for the computation of taxes The solution required a series of computations.
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.
Instead advances in quantum computing are far more likely to pose a problem than throwing months of computation at testing each and every prime number. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026 The researchers point to potential applications including sources of entangled photon pairs for quantum communication and computation. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 According to the partners, Nvidia’s AI infrastructure allows OmniStar to process routing and mode selection scenarios faster than traditional systems, reducing computation time by as much as 10 times. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Researchers often study natural processes by modeling them as computations and analyzing them mathematically. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for computation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of computation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for computation

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Browse Nearby Words

computable
computation
computational
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Cite this Entry

“Computation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

computation

noun
com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
1
: the act or action of computing : calculation
2
: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means
3
: an amount computed
computational
-shnəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on computation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about computation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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