generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər 

1

: one that generates: such as

a

: an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

2

: a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements

specifically : generatrix

Did you know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Synonyms of generator

• creator
• founder
• father
• inventor
• author
• maker

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator.

a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples on the Web

The Killer has to hunt down the Survivors and sacrifice them to a force known as the Entity, while the Survivors have to avoid being caught and power up the exit gates by fixing a series of generators. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2026

The implantable pulse generator was placed within a silicone cuff on the left cervical vagus nerve, with electrode contacts positioned to deliver stimulation. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

Diesel generators can, of course, kick in if more grunt is needed. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2026

Unrestricted access to spare parts, water pipes, fuel, water treatment chemicals, and generators for wells and desalination plants is needed to fix systems, save money and help even more children reach safe water and sanitation. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generator

• electrostatic generator
• Van de Graaff generator

Rhymes for generator

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

Kids Definition

generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: one that generates: as

a

: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy