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.
Now, the company is using a scheme that uses laser light to selectively manipulate those qubits that have leaked into other energy states and bring them back to one of the two used for computation. — ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 At the time, the team utilized a different error-correction method called Helix to demonstrate record-setting logical memory and computation. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 Companies are developing frameworks for measuring performance, optimizing interfaces, and testing whether biological computation can deliver consistent results across tasks. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026 The playoff projections are based on a Monte Carlo simulation, a computation of random sampling used to predict outcomes, of the 2026 season. — Loren Maxwell, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

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