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

Just as the invention of the calculator didn’t eliminate mathematicians but freed them to solve higher-level problems, AI automates the mundane, allowing human workers to concentrate on complexity, decision-making, and care. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

During Ghost Month, the seventh month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, auctioneers sell seemingly ordinary items—backpacks, calculators, tchotchkes—imbued with a spiritual charge thought to bring good luck. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

One of the world’s first calculators, devised in 1642 by the French polymath Blaise Pascal, was pulled from auction — at least for now. —Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 20 Nov. 2025

While Dallas currently has a 7% chance to make the playoffs according to the NFL’s playoff picture calculator, offensive play like Monday’s could see a strong end to the season and a chance to crash the postseason party. —Patrick Sung, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025

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