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-shnəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-pyü-
adjective
computationally adverb

Synonyms

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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.
Beyond its reliability, Rust offers an unparalleled degree of replayability and verifiable computations, ensuring that financial computations produce the same results every time they are executed. — Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Even within those limitations, however, there have been regular claims that the hardware can perform in ways that are impossible to match with classical computation (one of the more recent examples coming just last year). — Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025 Toby Cubitt, University College London Moore had become fascinated with computation after reading Gödel, Escher, Bach, a Pulitzer Prize–winning book about systems that reference themselves. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 The more computation, the more the model thinks, the smarter the answer. — John Buckingham, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 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 linguistics
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Cite this Entry

“Computation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computation. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of computation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about computation

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