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; calculate, -tor

Example Sentences

A worker who earned $4,000 in a year can receive as much as $5,538 in paid leave, according to a state calculator.

From The Wall Street Journal

Next, visit the Social Security Administration’s benefit calculators.

From MarketWatch

One British financial site has come up with a bucket-list “calculator” to tally the cost of fulfilling all your fantasies.

From MarketWatch

The personal investing site NerdWallet has an RMD calculator External link that can also guide investors on how much to take out.

From Barron's

The personal investing site NerdWallet has an RMD calculator External link that can also guide investors on how much to take out.

From Barron's