regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

 also  ˈrā-

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Synonyms

• controller
• control

Examples of regulator in a Sentence

the voltage regulator will make sure your car's alternator gets the right amount of electricity

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the fourth major penalty Google has faced in its decade-long fight with EU regulators. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025

Cosmetics are not the only place that regulators assessed an unacceptable level of risk. —Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025

Nevertheless, the fine is an aggressive move on the part of the European Commission, the EU’s top tech regulator, after Trump had previously threatened retaliation for future fines against US tech companies. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, his mercurial style and public controversies, from social media firestorms to clashes with regulators, have brought volatility to Tesla’s stock and reputation. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regulator

• growth regulator
• regulator gene

Rhymes for regulator

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

Medical Definition

regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Legal Definition

regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

: one (as a government agency) that regulates