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

Over 10,000 artists from 100 countries entered the contest and Lennon’s graph created using Desmos’ digital calculator was among the top recognized in his age group. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

With the high court ruling against the tariffs, Flexport updated the refund calculator to prepare customers for potential claims. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026

Prosecutors on Friday painted a different picture, highlighting that Colt had behavioral problems during his sixth grade year, including drawing swastikas on a school calculator, leaving the school cafeteria without permission and getting into a fight with another student. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 27 Feb. 2026

Traditionally, most primary care doctors have estimated that risk using a calculator called the Pooled Cohort Equations, commonly known to doctors as the Athersclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimator. —Mara Gordon, NPR, 27 Feb. 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