calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər 

: one that calculates: such as

a

: a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations

b

: a person who operates a calculator

Examples of calculator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The financial world will keep inventing new products, acronyms, and calculators. — Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

After their final payment to an agency in Sofia, fronted by a foreboding redhead equipped with a mechanical smile and a calculator, Russia invades Ukraine. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images With fuel prices nationwide going up and down amid the ongoing war in Iran, ABC News is launching a gas calculator to help drivers estimate the cost of filling up their tanks. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 8 July 2026

What to do right now Run your numbers at the Federal Student Aid loan simulator or use a free calculator from TISLA, the Institute of Student Loan Advisors. — Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calkelatour "one who counts or computes, mathematician," borrowed from Latin calculātōr-, calculātor "teacher of arithmetic," from calculā- (attested in Late Latin as the stem of calculāre "to count, calculate") + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calculator

• pocket calculator

Rhymes for calculator

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

Kids Definition

calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that calculates

2

: a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations