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
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.
But without the proper documentation or court-ordered child support, the Internal Revenue Service could characterize this money as a gift or settlement.
From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026
"Those disembarking will only be allowed to take with them a small, sealed bag containing essential items such as their documentation, mobile phone, charger, basic necessities and personal belongings."
From BBC • May 9, 2026
But no one understands the importance of documentation — of getting it all down — better than her.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
Official documentation hardly ever matches the reality of how work is actually done.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
As the bargaining representative for Ms. Vivian Shawcurt, Summerhill Infant and Child Care Agency is hereby requested to provide documentation showing either that she has found alternate placement or that she has returned to England.
From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg
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.
