regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

also ˈrā-

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Synonyms of regulator

• 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

Trump’s regulators may be taking a hands-off approach to these sectors, but plaintiff lawyers aren’t likely to back off. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

The deletion altered the production of a protein, which would become known as CFTR, a shorthand for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

In cities where tourist rentals start to crowd out residents, regulators step in. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026

But the letter also disclosed that construction would require close coordination with regulators to avoid spreading contamination — a process that adds time and cost. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

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