generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

ˈjen-rə-tiv, 

ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tiv 

: having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing

… Elizabeth Gilbert dives into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity.

—Camryn La Sala

… her gift is essentially organizational rather than generative.

—Martin Filler

: such as

a

biology : of or relating to the production of offspring

vegetative and generative plant growth

the generative organs of mammals

see also generative cell, generative nucleus

b

computing : using artificial intelligence algorithms to create complete units of content (such as text compositions, images, audio, or video) based on a broad corpus of material

The newest models also come with AI integration that allows them to summarize text with generative technology.

—Cody D. Campbell

see also generative AI

Examples of generative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trust Requires Architecture, Not Optimism Hallucinations are not edge cases, but an inherent characteristic of generative models. —Jerry Haywood, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Sora 2, OpenAI’s problematic generative video platform, was abandoned last December, reassuring many copyright holders. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 May 2026

Over the last several years, older and middle-aged filmmakers, like James Cameron, Darren Aronofsky, and Gareth Edwards, have all publicly embraced some version of generative software’s potential role in the future of cinema. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026

Reactor’s partners include Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is providing compute infrastructure and distribution to serve real-time generative video workloads at global scale. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generative

• generative AI
• generative artificial intelligence
• generative cell
• generative grammar
• generative nucleus
• generative semantics

Rhymes for generative

• degenerative
• regenerative
• neurodegenerative

Medical Definition

generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv  -ə-ˌrāt- 

: having the power or function of propagating or reproducing

generative organs