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

Brian Eno is someone who’s created so much generative music and so much ambient out there, and pushed the boundaries of this electronic music and stuff. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026

Marcloid wanders patiently through these generative soundscapes like a documentarian in thrall to the process, recording snapshots of the music’s continuous ecosystem. —Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026

Braver Angels’ mission promotes a horizontal understanding of what citizenship entails, far more inclusive and generative than today’s narrow, vertical view of citizenship as legal status. —Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026

Gemini draws from their Google Photos of their old and new homes and uses generative fill to suggest possibilities. —Sarah Whitten,sara Salinas,sarah Jackson,leslie Josephs, CNBC, 8 Feb. 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