generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

ˈjen-rə-tiv,

ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tiv 

: having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing

… Elizabeth Gilbert dives into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity.

—Camryn La Sala

… her gift is essentially organizational rather than generative.

—Martin Filler

: such as

a

biology : of or relating to the production of offspring

vegetative and generative plant growth

the generative organs of mammals

see also generative cell, generative nucleus

b

computing : using artificial intelligence algorithms to create complete units of content (such as text compositions, images, audio, or video) based on a broad corpus of material

Unlike the phone's predictive text feature, ChatGPT is said to be generative (the G in GPT).

—JoElla Carman and Jasmine Cui

see also generative AI

Examples of generative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The group started inviting other songwriters into the mix, and Solís began chipping in more after a generative writing camp with Barrera. —Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025

Lalami’s own work, including The Moor’s Account and The Other Americans, have allegedly been used, without her permission, to train generative AI-systems by Bloomberg, Meta and others. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

By recording those simulations, Rader plans to steal the ideas and recycle them into their own projects — a not-so-subtle depiction of how many authors feel about generative AI in our own reality. —Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025

According to McKinsey, sales and marketing personnel are leading the way, with 14 percent regularly using generative AI at work. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generative

• generative AI
• generative artificial intelligence
• generative cell
• generative grammar
• generative nucleus
• generative semantics

Rhymes for generative

• degenerative
• regenerative
• neurodegenerative

Medical Definition

generative

adjective

gen·​er·​a·​tive ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv  -ə-ˌrāt- 

: having the power or function of propagating or reproducing

generative organs