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

Many software stocks have been under pressure in 2025 as commentators have worried that generative artificial intelligence tools that can quickly write lines of code might pose risks to incumbents. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

In a deal that will reshape the advertising and communications industry, Omnicom has completed its $13 billion deal for Interpublic, creating a marketing behemoth that will seek to leverage its scale and generative artificial intelligence to reimagine the sector. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025

For that reason, the episode also has something to teach about truth and falsehood in ChatGPT and other such generative-AI products. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025

Wood Brooks, Robson and Fisher all offer neat digestible summaries at the end of their chapters to consolidate their strategies for how the reader might best conduct efficacious, generative conversations. —Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 25 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