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

Not to be outdone, Intel and AMD are also expected to announce chips that will make your current gaming rig feel like a calculator. —Jackie Snow, Quartz, 3 Jan. 2025

Two concrete projects: create a carbon calculator to support local organizing committees and national governing bodies, and create a sustainable car/travel policy for FIS activities. —Peggy Shinn, Outside Online, 1 Jan. 2025

Calorie calculators can estimate your calorie needs based on your age, body weight, height, and activity level.45 However, the calculators are not exact; your calorie needs may differ from what the calculator suggests. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Use our ovulation calculator for an estimate of your timeline. —Christin Perry, Parents, 27 Nov. 2024

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

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