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 authors, who study AI ethics and policy, recently asked nine popular generative Large Language Models (LLMs) to rank their own values using a questionnaire typically used to ascertain human values. —Jordan Loewen-Colón, Harvard Business Review, 2 May 2025

Applied Materials is likely to maintain a higher ratio of advanced equipment, fueled by applications like generative AI and the transition to more sophisticated processing technologies. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

In this sense, generative A.I. might count as a conceptual win for my field. —D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025

Earlier in April, the company released new generative artificial intelligence ads and reported that automated ad channels drove $2 billion in ad spending with digital audio since the beginning of the year. —Cj Haddad, CNBC, 16 Apr. 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