Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

actuator

American  
[ak-choo-ey-ter] / ˈæk tʃuˌeɪ tər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that actuates.

  2. a servomechanism that supplies and transmits a measured amount of energy for the operation of another mechanism or system.


Etymology

Origin of actuator

First recorded in 1860–65; actuate + -or 2

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.

See Examples For:

“Many key humanoid components are also found within the EV ecosystem, such as motors, actuator power electronics, magnets and advanced motion-control bearings,” wrote Sheppard.

From Barron's Jun. 1, 2026

"It's been investigated for many years," says Read, acknowledging that elastomers have yet to revolutionise actuator tech.

From BBC Feb. 5, 2026

For one thing, that requires a back-driveable actuator.

From BBC Feb. 5, 2026

Interestingly, the biohybrid actuator when untethered, transformed into a 3D free-standing structure, due to the curved alignment of myotubes like a native sphincter.

From Science Daily Feb. 26, 2024

Dr. Chapin, one of the house doctors, was the actuator.

From The Arena Volume 18, No. 93, August, 1897 by Various

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training