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 of generator

• 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

One flight carried 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the capital of Kathmandu, including portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets, as well as doctors, paramedics and rescue workers, Jaishankar said. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Whereas when the electrics went wrong, when the rhythm of the pump fell out of kilter, a little generator, a pacemaker, could be wired in under the collarbone to put it right. — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

The electricity harvested from the vehicle skin can run onboard systems, recharge battery banks, and reduce the fuel needed for auxiliary generators. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Rely on people with generators and those who understand how they can be safely deployed and shared. — Freida Graves, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, 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