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: the use of historical documents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
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.
An audit means that the IRS will ask you for more documentation. Adriana Morga, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Hetzel’s contributions to the documentation and preservation of Imperial County history cannot be understated, acting as a valuable resource into understanding the truth of county infrastructure, development and industry. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Olathe Public Schools Superintendent Brent Yeager estimated that the additional work of obtaining and reviewing documentation for every family that applies for free meals would cost his district nearly $200,000 a year. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026 This includes requiring genuine community input with clear documentation on how feedback influences outcomes. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 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 19 Feb. 2026.

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

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