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

Their on-site dosage calculator tool, which determines the optimal treatment time for a user, directly prompted me to reach out to them. —John Hall, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025

The Northwestern team tested their heart age calculator using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included around 14,000 participants between the ages of 30 and 79 with no history of CVD. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2025

These interactive tools combine fill-in-the-blank fields with sophisticated calculators and reports. —PC Magazine, 28 July 2025

The Living to 100 calculator, for example, asks dozens of questions about diet, sleep habits, stress factors and incorporates data from the on-going The New England Centenarian Study at Boston University. —David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 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