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

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

When used right, RAG helps to make generative AI both useful and safe for business. —Daniel Fallmann, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

That’s what happened last week when filmmaker Shawn McDaniel demoed Adobe Firefly’s new generative sound effects feature for IndieWire. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 July 2025

Parham was a generative artificial intelligence technical lead at the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and helped negotiate deals and integrate AI into Defense Department initiatives. —David Ingram, NBC news, 22 July 2025

McCreary addressed the question of protecting audiovisual IP in an age of generative ai software, suggesting one of her biggest challenges was protecting Freeman himself. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 July 2025

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