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

Hospitals, for example, which are all state-run, cannot buy fuel to power their backup generators. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Project Bluestem Data centers emit humming sounds from generators, fans and other equipment. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Street mode prioritizes electric propulsion at lower speeds, with the engine acting largely as a generator. — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026

Because there are no other nearby heat generators, that energy must be residual aftereffects of an earlier era. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 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