documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-,

-kyü-

1

: the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents

2

a

: the provision of documents in substantiation

also : documentary evidence

b(1)

: the use of historical documents

(2)

: conformity to historical or objective facts

(3)

: the provision of footnotes, appendices, or addenda referring to or containing documentary evidence

3

: information science

4

: the usually printed instructions, comments, and information for using a particular piece or system of computer software or hardware

documentational

ˌdä-kyə-mən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌmen-

-kyü-

adjective

Synonyms

• attestation
• confirmation
• corroboration
• evidence
• proof
• substantiation
• testament
• testimonial
• testimony
• validation
• voucher
• witness

Examples of documentation in a Sentence

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation.

Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases.

Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making?

The program's documentation is poorly written.

Recent Examples on the Web

Originally introduced to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate cross-border trade, the exemption enables low-value parcels to pass through customs with minimal documentation and limited inspection. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The documentation tells you which tube goes into which hole on the filament hub. —PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2025

Despite receiving all necessary documentation from Panama, the Daniel Ortega regime in Nicaragua never responded to the request to allow Martinelli safe passage, effectively shutting the door on his bid for asylum, at least for now. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025

Auditors found the station overstated its financial support and added that the CPB’s audit analysis was limited because the station failed to retain proper documentation and its staff turnover. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for documentation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

documentation

noun

doc·​u·​men·​ta·​tion ˌdäk-yə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the providing of documents as proof

2

: evidence in the form of documents

3

: written instructions for using a computer or computer program