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

Their creativity, in other words, was the product of generative constraints, and this way of working both mirrored and revealed the growing presence of protocols during the Cold War. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026

Now large language models decide what gets recommended, and a new discipline, generative engine optimization, is replacing search engine optimization. —Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

The result of that impromptu and wildly generative session, Rain Music, foregrounds each musician’s strengths—Niño’s verdant and atmospheric percussion lines, Timothy’s nesting-doll chords and ambient-minded constructions—without ever playing favorites. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026

But somewhere between generative models and global deployment, a quieter truth has emerged - that AI doesn’t just accelerate productivity but also accelerates distortion. —Wyles Daniel may 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 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