generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈje-nə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio)
generated; generating; generates

transitive verb

1
: to bring into existence: such as
b
: to create by means of a defined process : produce
generate electricity
generating profits/growth
images generated by a computer
2
: to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
These stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspense …Atlantic
3
: to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations
especially : to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve

Examples of generate in a Sentence

windmills used to generate electricity This business should generate a lot of revenue. We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting. His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists. Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement. They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That research also generated more than $94.5 billion in new economic activity nationwide, according to United for Medical Research, a coalition of research groups and advocates. Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 26 May 2025 In the fifth, the Dodgers generated their best chance against Senga … only for the right-hander to induce a two-out grounder from Smith that ended the threat. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 Over the last twelve months, the company generated $2.6 billion in revenue. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 In a country where the two dominant parties agree on scarcely anything, the collective exasperation with Musk generated unusual consensus. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for generate

Word History

Etymology

Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth — more at kin

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generate was in 1509

Cite this Entry

“Generate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generate. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

generate

verb
gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio)
generated; generating
1
: to bring into existence
generate electricity
2
: to be the cause of or reason for
news that generated excitement
generative
-ə-ˌrāt-iv
-(ə-)rət-
adjective

Medical Definition

generate

verb
gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio)
generated; generating

transitive verb

: to bring into existence
especially : procreate
generate innumerable offspring

intransitive verb

: to produce offspring : propagate

More from Merriam-Webster on generate

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