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

Adding $5,000 to down payments of varying amounts at a 7% interest rate for 72 months saved about $85 per month, according to an Edmunds calculator. —Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

These changes are reflected in the Tax Foundation’s 2026 calculator, which models the new law using its own estimates for inflation and deduction thresholds. —Mike Winters, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

An agent is a collaborator with a calculator of its own. —Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025

The combination of this process should give you as actionable an in-season trade value calculator as possible. —Jakob Sanderson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 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