computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

-pyü-

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 

-pyü-

adjective

computationally adverb

Synonyms of computation

• calculation
• math
• arithmetic

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

Our minds take in information from the world (input), manipulate it in some fashion (computation), and then enact behavior (output). — Benjamin Riley, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

Instead of performing computations entirely through conventional electronic circuits, Q/C’s approach uses the interference of light to carry out certain mathematical operations. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

This is not because the full machinery behind their computations is hidden from users. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

This literally cataclysmic[6] event was preceded by algebraic computations that were never just representational, as might be more the case for geometry, but were from the outset proactive. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for computation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or action of computing : calculation

2

: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means

3

: an amount computed

computational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective