generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈje-nə-rə-tiv How to pronounce generative (audio)
ˈjen-rə-tiv,
ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce generative (audio)
: 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
Unlike the phone's predictive text feature, ChatGPT is said to be generative (the G in GPT).JoElla Carman and Jasmine Cui
see also generative AI

Examples of generative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Whether through a chatbot, generative engine or voice assistant, your brand is being evaluated by algorithms before shoppers even begin to browse. Dani Nadel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Furthermore, Deep Fusion has place itself in the middle of the generative AI (genAI) debate, looking at ethical grey areas and IP risks. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 June 2025 The generative artificial intelligence trade is back. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 June 2025 Matthew Clark Davison is the author of the novel Doubting Thomas and founder of The Lab, a generative writing workshop. Matthew Clark Davison, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for generative

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generative was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Generative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generative. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

generative

adjective
gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce generative (audio) -ə-ˌrāt- How to pronounce generative (audio)
: having the power or function of propagating or reproducing
generative organs

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