calculating

adjective

cal·​cu·​lat·​ing ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce calculating (audio)
1
: making calculations
calculating machine
2
: marked by prudent analysis or by shrewd consideration of self-interest : scheming
calculatingly adverb

Examples of calculating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even Alex becomes too entangled in her students’ dealings and ends up suffering at the hands of one of the more calculating boys. Rebekah Frumkin, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2019 And experts believe that his intuitive style could throw the more calculating Caruana, who has faced time crunches already in this championship, off-balance. Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 Nov. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calculating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculating was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near calculating

Cite this Entry

“Calculating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculating. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calculating

adjective
cal·​cu·​lat·​ing ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt-iŋ How to pronounce calculating (audio)
1
: designed to make calculations
a calculating machine
2
a
: tending to plan or study things with much care and caution
b
calculatingly adverb
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