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

Trinen isn't wrong about that; the $299 early adopters paid for a Switch in 2017 is worth about $391 in today's dollars, according to the BLS CPI calculator. —ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025

Consider using a Social Security claiming calculator or talking with a financial planner to determine the best strategy for your individual situation. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025

Before making any decisions, use a personal loan calculator to estimate your payments and potential savings. —Christina Majaski, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025

WalletHub’s report also comes with a custom calculator that allows travelers to personalize the results based on their own budget. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 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