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.
At those levels, assuming no additional charges, paying off the debt while making minimum payments could take nearly 27 years and cost nearly $13,000 in interest alone, according to Bankrate's credit card calculator. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Socrates had the same fear about the act of writing, scribes had the same fear about Gutenberg’s printing press, and John Saxon had the same fear about the calculator. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 In high school, supply lists focus on calculators and organizational materials such as planners that are often more expensive. — Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Statewide, a single adult with no children needs to make at least $24 an hour to get by, according to MIT’s Living Wage calculator; that number goes up in high-cost-of-living areas like greater Miami, or if kids enter the picture. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calculator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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