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.
Researchers often study natural processes by modeling them as computations and analyzing them mathematically. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Newer reasoning models do the same thing, spending computation on intermediate steps before returning a final answer, breaking a hard question into parts and working through each one. — Adam Fish, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Just like laptops, cars depend on microprocessors and RAM, or random-access memory, to run all of their computations. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 TPUs belong to the class of chips known as AI accelerators, which are tailored to perform the mathematical computations that underpin generative AI models. — Kevin Stankiewicz,jeff Marks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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