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

SmartAsset’s paycheck calculator can estimate your net pay after federal and state income tax withholding and FICA deductions. —Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 16 Nov. 2025

That means if the home buyer put down a down payment of 20%, their monthly payment of the principal and interest would be $2,455, according to Fannie Mae’s mortgage calculator. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 11 Nov. 2025

But this guy has the personality of a calculator. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2025

On a 30-year loan, your monthly payment of just the principal and interest would amount to $1,970, per Fannie Mae’s mortgage calculator. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 10 Nov. 2025

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