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

Uzma Shaikh, a University of Central Florida student, found the CLT’s math section easier, even though, unlike the SAT, the CLT does not allow a calculator. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Clinicians can enter this information into the American Heart Association’s PREVENT calculator, which estimates the chance of developing cardiovascular disease over 10 years and, for many younger adults, over 30 years. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

The last item on the list is graphic calculators, which cannot be more than $150 to be tax-exempt. — Zuri Primos july 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery offers a pricing calculator to estimate the cost of certain cosmetic procedures. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 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