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

The National Bureau of Economic Research started publishing its survey of generative AI adoption about a year ago. —Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Adobe projects that trend will only continue as consumers continue to integrate generative AI into their lives. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025

The imaging signal processor has been upgraded for improved image and video quality, and Tensor G5 runs the latest Gemini Nano model, powering more than 20 on-device generative artificial intelligence experiences. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025

Next up is the topic of generative AI — but this time not in a rehash of the same conversation devs have been having for the past couple years. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 19 Aug. 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