generator

noun gen·er·a·tor \ ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of generator

1 : one that generates: such as

a : an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed

b : a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

2 : a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements; specifically : generatrix

See generator defined for English-language learners

See generator defined for kids

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator.
a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples of generator from the Web

Try our handy triple-threat career generator to figure out what your path should be.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "What’s Your Ideal Triple-Threat Career?," 10 Apr. 2018
One night after firing up his generator, Collazo had an idea while watching his daughter eat a cupcake.

— arelis r. hernández, Washington Post, "In Puerto Rico’s ‘last mile,’ power is still elusive as next hurricane season looms," 4 Apr. 2018
Regulation and innovation Some opponents say Idaho Power simply wants to slow the growth of solar that competes with its own coal, gas and hydropower generators.

— rocky barker, idahostatesman, "Solar panels could save you money but cost your neighbors, Idaho Power says | Idaho Statesman," 19 Mar. 2018
Conor Johnson, Otto’s manager, had no power at his Deep River home but the restaurant was up and running with a generator powering the refrigerators and dishwashers.

— russell blair, courant.com, "In Chester, Snow Is Gone But So Is Power," 9 Mar. 2018
The hybrid model combines a 295-hp, Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine (not turbocharged) with two electric motor-generators for a total system power of 354 hp.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Lexus LS 500h: From flagship to starship," 2 Mar. 2018
Hollywood Hills had a generator, and the staff tried using portable coolers.

— skyler swisher, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Gov. Rick Scott signs bills requiring backup power at nursing homes," 26 Mar. 2018
Krummick also said the dock and generator would be screeed.

— hank beckman, chicagotribune.com, "Assisted living facility near Gordon Park gets preliminary approval," 15 Mar. 2018
Cromer is accused of stealing a variety of items, including blowers, grass trimmers, ice chests, hunting and fishing equipment, chain saws, ladders, generators and chop saws.

— robert rhoden, NOLA.com, "Mandeville man arrested in thefts across several parishes," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.