terminator

American

[tur-muh-ney-ter] / ˈtɜr məˌneɪ tər /

noun

a person or thing that terminates.
Astronomy. the dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of a satellite or planet, especially the moon.

terminator British

/ ˈtɜːmɪˌneɪtə /

noun

the line dividing the illuminated and dark part of the moon or a planet

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of terminator

1760–70; < Late Latin terminātor, equivalent to terminā ( re ) to terminate + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Terminator star was invited to meet students and athletes at UU's campus in Belfast city centre.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The Terminator fears from a year ago are heard no more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Yeah, the robots can’t do that, Terminator can’t do that..

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A harpoon gun from "Jaws," a jacket worn by "The Terminator," and a "Star Wars" lightsaber hilt and C-3PO head are among the eye-catching items to be sold at auction next month.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“Well, I like scary movies, like Friday the 13th, or anything with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it, like The Terminator or Predator.”

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023