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

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery offers a pricing calculator to estimate the cost of certain cosmetic procedures. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Writers argue in our opinion section about calculator theft, the cure for teenage sleep deprivation, grade inflation, AI policies, and more. — Annabelle Garland, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

In the 1980s, math departments banned calculators, fearing arithmetic fluency would erode. — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The Social Security Administration has several calculators that can provide estimates of your monthly benefits. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 21 July 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