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

• minicalculator
  noun

Etymology

Origin of calculator

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

Example Sentences

Below are the hypothetical monthly payments on a $300,000 home loan for people with different credit scores — and thus different interest rates — based on FICO’s Loan Savings Calculator.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Taxpayers who are unsure whether they will owe money can refer to the Board’s Tax Calculator.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

For an individual without children to afford living in King County, they would need to earn about $23 an hour, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

“GCU’s disclosure is in full-size red type and placed above the Degree Program Calculator calculation in order to bring attention to it,” the university said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Tansy had an arithmetic book, The Western Calculator, from the high school.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck