regulator

noun

reg·​u·​la·​tor ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tər 

 also  ˈrā-

1

: one that regulates

2

: regulatory gene

Synonyms

• 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

From Hype to Infrastructure Stablecoins may yet evolve into the backbone of global payments—but only if issuers, regulators and supporting platforms strengthen transparency and resilience. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

With the front fans reversed, voltage-regulator temperatures went down, but GPU temperatures went up. —Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025

California policymakers continue to make laws and allow regulators to contrive rules that make California a land of perdition rather than destination for enterprise because they have been captured by left-of-center interests. —Kerry Jackson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

The anti-dumping probe will run for about a year and may be extended by another six months, if needed, while the anti-bias probe usually takes about three months, according to the trade regulator. —Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

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