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

Consumer tools such as spell-check, calculators, spreadsheets, robocall filtering and large language models, such as ChatGPT, would not be affected. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

The calculator, now managed by the Living Wage Institute, estimates what workers must earn in different regions to afford basic necessities beyond just food. —Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026

The nonprofit research group recently launched Utility Profit Tracker, an online calculator that shows how much of a monthly electricity payment goes toward utility profits based on publicly available financial data and regulatory filings. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

The update considers not just age, but also risk gleaned from the new PREVENT risk calculator. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 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