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

This builds on prior innovations such as the AI toolbar for Person of the Year and our generative-AI Audio Brief. —Jessica Sibley, Time, 20 Nov. 2025

The venture capital world has witnessed countless technological disruptions over the decades, but few have arrived with the speed and scope of generative artificial intelligence. —Harvard Business Review, 18 Nov. 2025

Discovery is already migrating from keyword search to generative, conversational guidance, and that shift will only accelerate. —Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025

Modern generative models are trained on vast amounts of data and can now create remarkably realistic text, audio, images and videos. —Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 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