calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
: one that calculates: such as
a
: a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations
b
: a person who operates a calculator

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Metric system gets an update:Meet the new names for huge and tiny numbers How to calculate your golf handicap:First step, grab a calculator. USA TODAY, 8 May 2023 Advertisement Jeff Maggioncalda, the CEO of online education company Coursera, suggests that in the era of generative AI, even an English literature class might look somewhat like a calculus class, in which students, despite having calculators, typically are still expected to show their work. Michelle Cheng, Quartz, 8 May 2023 The Environmental Protection Agency offers an accurate carbon footprint calculator through a spreadsheet while sites like Footprint Calculator offer a more visual and interactive experience. Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 26 Apr. 2023 Warren Township homeowners can use the district’s investment calculator to view the impact of the referendum on their tax bill. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Apr. 2023 The calculator estimated that a round-trip economy flight from London Heathrow to Dulles International would emit 741.29 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Jd Shadel, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Apr. 2023 In people who have a calcium score, the MESA calculator at tinyurl.com/mesarisk helps quantify risk. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2022 The tax for the median home would go up $491.40 per year, according to the plan’s tax calculator. Greg Garrison | , al, 5 May 2023 The ticket price increases stretch far beyond expectations, according to the US Department of Labor inflation calculator. Jordy Fee-platt, The Arizona Republic, 4 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calculator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculator was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calculator

Cite this Entry

“Calculator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculator. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

calculator

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
1
: one that calculates
2
: a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations

More from Merriam-Webster on calculator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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