calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər 

: one that calculates: such as

a

: a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations

b

: a person who operates a calculator

Examples of calculator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the offer was consistent with the calculator on the brand's site — which predicts an offer based on the karat and weight of the piece in grams — so there were no surprises. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Nobody summarized the material for me, and calculator use was restricted. — Mamadou-Abou Sarr, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In 1994, another change occurred when students used physical calculators on the SAT for the first time. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

The same calculator has been on most kids’ back to school shopping list since the early 2000’s and the dominance of Texas Instruments’ calculator division goes back even farther. — Verge Staff, The Verge, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calkelatour "one who counts or computes, mathematician," borrowed from Latin calculātōr-, calculātor "teacher of arithmetic," from calculā- (attested in Late Latin as the stem of calculāre "to count, calculate") + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calculator

• pocket calculator

Rhymes for calculator

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

Kids Definition

calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that calculates

2

: a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations