actuator
noun
ac·tu·a·tor
ˈak-chə-ˌwā-tər 
-shə-
: one that actuates
specifically
: a mechanical device for moving or controlling something
Examples of actuator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These actuators then generate low-frequency vibrations precisely targeted at the frozen areas.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Motors and hydraulics can deliver force but lack finesse and may pose safety risks inside the body, while soft actuators—driven by heat, air, or chemical reactions—tend to be bulky, inefficient, or too slow for practical use.
—Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2025
Porsche also outfitted a new form of active suspension to the Turbo S, which uses one of the pumps from the Panamera’s trick new Active Ride suspension to drive actuators at each of the car’s four corners.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2025
The 189,000-square-foot Cleveland County facility produces advanced valves, actuators, clutches, and controls for automotive, truck and off-road vehicles, according to Solero’s website.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actuator
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Motors and hydraulics can deliver force but lack finesse and may pose safety risks inside the body, while soft actuators—driven by heat, air, or chemical reactions—tend to be bulky, inefficient, or too slow for practical use.
—Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2025
Porsche also outfitted a new form of active suspension to the Turbo S, which uses one of the pumps from the Panamera’s trick new Active Ride suspension to drive actuators at each of the car’s four corners.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2025
The 189,000-square-foot Cleveland County facility produces advanced valves, actuators, clutches, and controls for automotive, truck and off-road vehicles, according to Solero’s website.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actuator
Cite this Entry
“Actuator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuator. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share