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

The facility covers 32,000 sq ft and is equipped for cutting-edge VFX and generative virtual effects work, underpinned by a hybrid cloud setup. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026

Jha’s departure is a significant loss for Microsoft as the company tries to both collaborate and compete with generative artificial intelligence model developers Anthropic and OpenAI, and comes less than a month after Microsoft announced the retirement of longtime gaming chief Phil Spencer. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

Use of generative artificial intelligence technology is already widespread in K-12 schools and higher education. —Andres Bustamante, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026

Existing copyright law breaks down when applied to the use of authors’ and artists’ work, without their consent, to train generative-AI models. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 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