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

The fair also showcased Thomas Edison’s automatic telegraph, as well as machinery such as the typewriter and calculator and consumer-packaged goods such as Heinz tomato ketchup.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

I gripped my TI-84 graphing calculator in outrage.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Experts also recommend using an online calculator offered by the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program to explore your options.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

"For Ava, her working norm is a calculator and work book, they can write their little formulas in there and that needs to follow them throughout life in the school system," Lucy said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This was a device known as a ‘compass’—a graduated metal instrument that could be used as a calculator.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin