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

Flooding destroyed backup generators and severed the reactors from the cooling systems, causing core meltdowns in three of the plant’s six units. —Yusuke Maekawa, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026

In addition, the motor can do double duty as a generator during descent, putting a partial charge back into the 200-kWh H55 battery system, which helps to balance the books at the end of the day. —David Szondy march 07, New Atlas, 7 Mar. 2026

Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026

The project recently received air turbine units, generators, electric motors, molten salt storage tanks, and other core equipment from Shanghai Electric. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 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