document Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
    written document; papers.
  2. noun anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
  3. noun a written account of ownership or obligation
  4. noun (computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using seven-bit ASCII characters
    text file.
  5. verb record in detail
    • The parents documented every step of their child's development
  6. verb support or supply with references
    • Can you document your claims?

WordNet


Doc"u*ment noun
Etymology
LL. documentum, fr. docere to teach: cf. F. document. See Docile.
Definitions
  1. That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma. Obs.
    Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time. I. Watts.
  2. An example for instruction or warning. Obs.
    They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others. Sir W. Raleigh.
  3. An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; -- in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
    Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic. Paley.
Doc"u*ment transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To teach; to school. Obs.
    I am finely documented by my own daughter. Dryden.
  2. To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.

Webster 1913