calculator

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These could include calculators, weather apps, airline booking systems or even other AI models. Vall Herard, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 One snuffbox had been a present for George V on his 55th birthday in 1920 while the other featured 3,000 diamonds and was bought by Queen Mary in 1932 for £1,000, the equivalent in modern money of around $75,000 according to the Bank of England's inflation calculator. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 While the Guild website has details on its home loan products, various mortgage calculators and an informative blog, mortgage rates are not disclosed online. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024 For context, a one-way plane trip from Chicago to New York can release more than 314 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization carbon emissions calculator. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calculator 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculator was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calculator

Cite this Entry

“Calculator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculator. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

calculator

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tor ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce calculator (audio)
1
: one that calculates
2
: a usually small electronic device for making mathematical calculations

More from Merriam-Webster on calculator

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