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 adjective
computationally adverb

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
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The machine would also have to keep up that cadence of error correction for days or even weeks while a computation runs, a feat no group has accomplished. Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026 Existing solutions often rely on heavy computation, limiting their ability to operate in real time. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 Other milestones include higher qubit counts — which increase the potential size and complexity of problems a quantum computer can represent and help solve — and coherence times, which allow more reliable computations by reducing the impact of noise and errors. Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 About that same time, Chinese scholars were compiling the Jiuzhang Suanshu, a mathematical treatise focused on solving practical problems with computation. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Computation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computation. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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

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