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 calculator is not intended to serve as a substitute for in-person assessments by a physician. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025

Electronics like powerful calculators and handhelds, items that were once luxuries, are now required technology. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

The National Weather Service provides resources like a heat index calculator and chart to determine local heat index values. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025

Munn credits her diagnosis to her doctor’s decision to use a breast cancer risk calculator. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 23 July 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