generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər 

1

: one that generates: such as

a

: an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

2

: a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements

specifically : generatrix

Did you know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Synonyms

• creator
• founder
• father
• inventor
• author
• maker

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator.

a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples on the Web

American eagles were well-represented, with one large white one being kept blown up or deflated, depending on needs, by its own generator, run by Rhonda Guilin and Jennifer Brown. —Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

The Field Day gives radio operators a chance to test their skills under simulated emergency conditions using only alternative power sources such as solar panels, batteries and generators. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025

Data shows 63% of U.S. teens use chatbots and text generators for schoolwork. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Corcovado Wilderness Lodge follows suit, with two certifications for eco-tourism, on-site purification of drinking water from rivers, and electricity generated by a combination of a generator and solar panels. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generator

• electrostatic generator
• Van de Graaff generator

Rhymes for generator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: one that generates: as

a

: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy