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 Your first bag — in most markets — will now cost $40 and your second will cost $50, according to the airline’s bag fee calculator. Cortlynn Stark, Sacramento Bee, 29 Feb. 2024 Yet, race is still embedded as a factor in the calculator. Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2024 These programmable graphing calculators have backlit displays and are rechargable. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Feb. 2024 As the calculation is more complicated, parents and caregivers should never use an adult BMI calculator to determine their child’s weight status, the CDC said. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2024 To figure out the cost, the company has a baggage calculator on its website. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Once filled out, applicants can assess their total cost using the page’s handy calculator, then fill out a check or money order (as many passport acceptance facilities won’t take cash or card). Jared Ranahan, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024 This could look like simple business case tools or a sustainability impact calculator. Stephanie Gorski, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Their prices start at $11.40, but there is no price calculator to quickly estimate the cost. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calculator.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculator was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calculator

Cite this Entry

“Calculator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculator. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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