regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce regulator (audio)
 also  ˈrā-
1
: one that regulates
2

Examples of regulator in a Sentence

the voltage regulator will make sure your car's alternator gets the right amount of electricity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
By 1958, though, as automotive regulators became concerned with large car brands' associations with racing, the FirePower engine was discontinued. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 OpenAI’s partnerships with major companies and its plans to change its corporate structure have drawn the scrutiny of regulators, including the attorneys general of California and Delaware, who oversee charitable organizations that operate or are incorporated in their states. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 The game’s loot box mechanics — while not exclusive to EA — also led to backlash from gamers, triggering European regulators to investigate whether the feature constituted gambling. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 Saudi Arabia is preparing to lift restrictions on foreign investors buying local stocks, in the latest step by regulators to boost trading on the Tadawul exchange. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regulator

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regulator was in 1648

Cite this Entry

“Regulator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regulator. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

regulator

noun
reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce regulator (audio)
1
: one that regulates
2

Legal Definition

regulator

noun
reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce regulator (audio)
: one (as a government agency) that regulates

More from Merriam-Webster on regulator

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