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

There is no official payout calculator from the lottery game itself. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024

For example, a calculator app shouldn't need access to your contacts or camera. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024

These calculators provide estimates of your lifespan based on your answers to questions about your health status, family history, and lifestyle choices. —Steve Vernon, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

To land at this number, the company estimated average length of retirement and life expectancy for each gender in every state, and then used a cost-of-living calculator to estimate the savings needed for retirement. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 26 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