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

The purpose of a longer mortgage plan would be to lower the monthly payment and principal needed to buy a house, stretching the payments longer into the future for less each month, according to Fannie Mae's mortgage calculator. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2025

However, the site also has a calculator that can help. —Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

If an app asks for permissions that do not match its purpose, like a calculator wanting your location or a flashlight needing camera access, that is a major red flag. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Some West Virginia residents will have to spend $1,544 more per month if the tax credits expire, compared with the $460 paid with the tax credits in effect, according to KFF’s online calculator. —Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 30 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