documentation

[ dok-yuh-men-tey-shuhn, -muhn- ]

noun

1. the use of documentary evidence.
2. a furnishing with documents, as to substantiate a claim or the data in a book or article.
3. 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.

documentation

/ ˌdɒkjʊmɛnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of supplying with or using documents or references
2. the documents or references supplied
3. the furnishing and use of documentary evidence, as in a court of law
4. computing the written comments, graphical illustrations, flowcharts, manuals, etc, supplied with a program or software system

Other Words From

• docu·men·tation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of documentation¹

First recorded in 1745–55; document + -ation

Example Sentences

Many of these properties - in use by Muslims for generations - lack formal documentation as they were donated orally or without legal records decades or centuries ago.

From BBC

This timing coincides with the rise of scientific observation, resulting in a systematic documentation of plant and animal life.

From Science Daily

Since Porsha had not had a prenatal visit, there was no documentation to prove she was 11 weeks along.

From Salon

Mexican citizens represent the largest group of immigrants in the United States illegally, accounting for about 37% of the estimated 11 million in the country without documentation, according to the Pew Research Center.

From Los Angeles Times

Attorneys for Jan. 6 offenders already in prison said they are already gathering documentation so they can quickly apply for pardons once the process becomes clear.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• credential
• deed
• diploma
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty