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 Environmental Protection Agency has a calculator that can help with that decision. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026

Even converting currency can be done instantly using your iPhone's calculator or Notes app. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

Key Takeaways New guidelines recommend a new heart disease risk calculator designed for people as young as 30. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026

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

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