documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce documentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
-kyü-
Synonyms of documentationnext
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: the use of historical documents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

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.
Federal officials have asked MARTA for documentation showing what the transit agency does to prevent crime and make sure all passengers have paid fares. Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Rather than presenting Zumthor’s work through drawings or conventional architectural documentation, Wenders trains his camera on the people who encounter, inhabit and build these spaces, letting the buildings unfold from the inside. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 By creating a single digital environment where suppliers could access purchase orders, forecasts, technical documentation and delivery priorities in real time, procurement shifted from administrative work to supplier performance management. Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 In some cases, even documentation of the state's excesses invites intimidation. Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 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 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

documentation

noun
1
: the providing of documents as proof
2
: evidence in the form of documents
3
: written instructions for using a computer or computer program

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