regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

also ˈrā-

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Synonyms of regulator

• controller
• control

Examples of regulator in a Sentence

the voltage regulator will make sure your car's alternator gets the right amount of electricity

Recent Examples on the Web

The process allows regulators to exchange experience and provide consolidated feedback to the developer while each country retains full responsibility for its own licensing decisions. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026

That uncertainty is why regulators rely on a cautious approach like the LNT model, and also why some people question its use. —Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026

State insurance regulators have been increasingly pressuring insurance companies to reduce rates, with varying success. —Chris Gunster, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The study showed that insurers paid investors $680 million in dividends and accepted $951 million in capital contributions from affiliates, clouding regulators’ abilities to determine insurers’ actual financial health. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regulator

• growth regulator
• regulator gene

Rhymes for regulator

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

Medical Definition

regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Legal Definition

regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

: one (as a government agency) that regulates