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

Midterms have continued to serve as political regulators in the generations since. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

At Bunq, junior staff are still expected to do reconciliations to check the data against the bank’s records and to document the process for auditors and regulators. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Earlier this year, Washington state regulators issued key radiation and air permits, giving Helion clearance to construct the generator building for its flagship plant, named Orion. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

California clean-air regulators are defending the state’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Project after the Los Angeles Times reported that the $1-billion program is facing accusations of fraud, waste and poor oversight. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 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