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

To know what this means for you in real dollar terms, you need a sophisticated calculator that can run a doomsday scenario for you against your retirement plan.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Like a calculator, they say, AI is a tool that can expand our curiosity rather than destroy it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 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

The first Saturday it was warm enough, he walked in circles around the base of the tree with a calculator and a cheat sheet of geometry equations.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King