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

According to Over The Cap’s salary cap calculator, the team could restructure the contracts of several high-profile players and save money against the cap in the short-term. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026

If one parent is working, the calculator found $55 an hour is needed for a living wage. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Consumer tools such as spell-check, calculators, spreadsheets, robocall filtering and large language models, such as ChatGPT, would not be affected. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

The calculator, now managed by the Living Wage Institute, estimates what workers must earn in different regions to afford basic necessities beyond just food. —Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 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