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

The new guidelines, which update 2018 standards, redefine some categories for heart disease and stroke risk, recommend a new calculator for determining risks and advise screening for heart disease beginning at 30 for adults, as well as screening for high cholesterol in children ages 9 to 11. —Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 30 Mar. 2026

The company used the MIT living wage calculator to determine cost of living by region for single adults and families of four. —Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026

Paul Mitchell, a political data consultant, produced a website calculator that estimates a roughly 20% chance of a Hilton-Bianco matchup in November if no Democratic candidate drops out. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

District 29’s website provides a tax impact calculator for voters to estimate their total annual and monthly property tax increases. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 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