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

Interest in the field has skyrocketed as coders have used linguistic principles to build and improve large language models, which power much of today’s generative artificial intelligence. —Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2026

Horror titles, for instance, are being crafted with generative tools that allow for intricate design and atmospheric effects, enhancing the terror. —Faye Bradley, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

Some viewers suggested the video was AI-generated, noting that at one point, Netanyahu’s hand appears to have six fingers, a common artifact of generative artificial intelligence output. —Angela Yang, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

Launched by Chinese short-video giant Kuaishou in June 2024, Kling AI has quickly emerged as one of Asia’s highest-profile generative-video platforms, offering text-to-video and image-to-video tools aimed at everyone from casual creators to professional film, TV and advertising teams. —Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 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