calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
: one that calculates: such as
a
: a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations
b
: a person who operates a calculator

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The distance between Barbados and Outer Banks is approximately 1,597 miles, sailing distance calculator BednBlue reports. Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 28 Feb. 2023 To start building your recurring order, simply use the company's feeding calculator and decide between Fresh Frozen or Pantry Fresh. Maddie Topliff, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2023 Toolformer can work around that limitation by using a calculator program. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 15 Feb. 2023 In the report, Cars.com includes a calculator to help shoppers anticipate their financing costs. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 12 Feb. 2023 Although any compression algorithm could reduce the size of this file, the way to achieve the greatest compression ratio would probably be to derive the principles of arithmetic and then write the code for a calculator program. Ted Chiang, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2023 Go ahead and get out your calculator or use Python and plug in all the values. WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023 The Space Telescope Science Institute even offers an online exposure calculator, to help users estimate what will give the best result. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2023 One of them could be a sexting app masquerading as a calculator. Brittany Wallman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'calculator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculator was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calculator

Cite this Entry

“Calculator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculator. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

calculator

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
1
: one that calculates
2
: a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations

More from Merriam-Webster on calculator

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