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.
Setting the form equal to a number fixes it into an equation that can be plotted on an x-y graph—something many of us learned to do on graphing calculators in high school. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026 This year's sales include discounts on everything from laptops, headphones and calculators to lunch boxes, sneakers, storage solutions and classroom supplies. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Uzma Shaikh, a University of Central Florida student, found the CLT’s math section easier, even though, unlike the SAT, the CLT does not allow a calculator. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Clinicians can enter this information into the American Heart Association’s PREVENT calculator, which estimates the chance of developing cardiovascular disease over 10 years and, for many younger adults, over 30 years. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing calculator

Rhymes for calculator

See All Rhymes for calculator

Browse Nearby Words

calculative
calculator
calculatory
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Cite this Entry

“Calculator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculator. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of calculator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calculator

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