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

In 2023, California regulators levied more than $100,000 in fines against the private operator of a federal immigration facility, kicking off a three-year battle over whether detainees who do work at the facilities should be considered employees. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Federal and state insurance regulators review plans before finalizing rate increases. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 8 July 2026

The debate stems over a Federal Communications Commission action on June 29 that advanced the company’s plans, over the objection of California regulators, many residents and Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

Legislators, regulators, ethics committees, and commentators are spending thousands of words discussing staffing, productivity, management, and administrative control, while spending comparatively little time discussing artificial intelligence. — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 7 July 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