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

Fannie Mae has a good calculator, but the basic idea is to determine the total closing costs of refinancing a loan and then divide that amount by the monthly savings that the refi will mean for you. —Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026

Each year, the MIT Living Wage calculator shares the amount of money a typical worker would need to make to afford their family’s basic needs. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026

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

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