calculator

American  

[kal-kyuh-ley-ter] / ˈkæl kyəˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who calculates or computes.

2. Also called calculating machine.  a small electronic or mechanical device that performs calculations, requiring manual action for each individual operation.

3. a person who operates such a machine.

4. a set of tables that facilitates calculation.

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calculator British  

/ ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a device for performing mathematical calculations, esp an electronic device that can be held in the hand

2. a person or thing that calculates

3. a set of tables used as an aid to calculations

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calculator Cultural  

1. An electronic device for performing automatic mathematical computations, usually controlled by a keyboard. Some are actually small computers, with limited memory, that allow the user to use simple programs.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• minicalculator
  noun

Etymology

Origin of calculator

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin; see calculate, -tor

Example Sentences

I gripped my TI-84 graphing calculator in outrage.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

You have beaten that rather rough and, frankly, outdated calculator to determine your Roth/traditional IRA balance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

“The political calculator changes,” said Sidharth Kaushal, an expert in naval power at U.K. think tank the Royal United Services Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The Social Security Administration’s spousal-benefit calculator may help you.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

I find my backup calculator in the outer pouch and pull out three sharp number 2 pencils.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison