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

According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, goods costing £4.03 in 2022 would now cost about £4.70.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The fair also showcased Thomas Edison’s automatic telegraph, as well as machinery such as the typewriter and calculator and consumer-packaged goods such as Heinz tomato ketchup.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

Companies often invest in their younger workers through training and career development, while midlife offerings consist solely of a retirement calculator, Clinton said.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

I gripped my TI-84 graphing calculator in outrage.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Give him a calculator and he can change the world, but whenever the car breaks down, and the mechanic asks him what’s wrong, his response is usually, “It broke.”

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman