generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər 

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

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.

Synonyms

• creator
• founder
• father
• inventor
• author
• maker

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator.

a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples on the Web

Multiple aviation experts The Times spoke with pointed to the distinct sound audible in the video shot from a nearby rooftop as evidence for likely deployment of the flight’s emergency power generator. —Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025

According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), capacity-market auctions are a reliability backstop: generators compete to promise enough future capacity, and the competition keeps costs down for consumers. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

Coffee and water with zero refills Kara Pod isn't just a water generator. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

Laundry and utility rooms ▪ Two backup generators ▪ Custom window treatments. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generator

• electrostatic generator
• Van de Graaff generator

Rhymes for generator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: one that generates: as

a

: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed

b

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