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

Part of Gen Z’s draw to the comments section is its participatory and generative nature. —Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2025

The word's proliferation online, in part thanks to the widespread availability of generative artificial intelligence, landed it the title of Merriam-Webster's 2025 word of the year. —CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

The word’s proliferation online, in part thanks to the widespread availability of generative artificial intelligence, landed it Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year. —Anna Furman, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2025

The focus of the Colorado AI act is predictive artificial intelligence systems, which make decisions, not newer generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT, which create content. —Anjana Susarla, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 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