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

Its retirement toolkit includes calculators for estimating monthly retirement income, comparing the tax impact of different withdrawal strategies and evaluating Roth conversions. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

That institutional knowledge determined which calculators to include, how to structure them and what a useful result looks like for someone with a specific problem. — Mateusz Mucha, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Here are the best longevity calculators A visit to an online longevity calculator might seem like a morbid exercise. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Jack Kilby, the inventor of the integrated circuit, or microchip, and the handheld calculator—early precursors of AI. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 8 Aug. 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