documentation
Americannoun
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the use of documentary evidence.
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a furnishing with documents, as to substantiate a claim or the data in a book or article.
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Computers. manuals, listings, diagrams, and other hard- or soft-copy written and graphic materials that describe the use, operation, maintenance, or design of software or hardware.
The documentation for the driver program is displayed on the screen.
noun
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the act of supplying with or using documents or references
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the documents or references supplied
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the furnishing and use of documentary evidence, as in a court of law
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computing the written comments, graphical illustrations, flowcharts, manuals, etc, supplied with a program or software system
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of documentation
Explanation
Your driver's license is documentation of your age, address, and that you have passed the tests required to drive a car. Documentation is certifiable proof, or a set of official documents. Your new computer probably came with a packet of documentation that shows you how to use it and explains what to do when it breaks. In this sense, documentation means the official documents of your computer. If you are the person preparing a packet of information about how to use a computer program to keep attendance at school, you are preparing the documentation of that process.
Vocabulary lists containing documentation
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Reference
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Writing - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The letter from Dave Anders of Wachtell Lipton stated that Sanberg provided documentation and information helpful to the NBA investigation during two in-person interviews.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Lopez said Highmark eventually told her the autism-therapy company hadn’t provided requested documentation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
The rush underscores growing anxiety among migrant communities -- many of whom lack proper documentation -- with rights groups warning of forced expulsions and limited legal protections.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say artificial intelligence may also help uncover side effects that patients are discussing online but that are not always fully reflected in clinical trials or official drug documentation.
From Science Daily • May 24, 2026
Jack would laugh if he knew, but she’s been in the system long enough to understand that it all comes down to documentation.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
