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

Minh Connors | Bloomberg | Getty Images Meta was late to the generative artificial intelligence race. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

They are proposed as generative anchors that shape the lawful ways a quantum object can appear, behave and relate. — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Initially, the generative companion could answer questions, produce insights, and simplify tasks. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

However, all this may as well go out the window the further the film goes on, and the more Darya’s search for answers about her past plays out in the form of generative digital regurgitations with repulsive textures. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Sep. 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