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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• minicalculator noun

Etymology

Origin of calculator

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

Example Sentences

“The political calculator changes,” said Sidharth Kaushal, an expert in naval power at U.K. think tank the Royal United Services Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The Social Security Administration’s spousal-benefit calculator may help you.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The company used the MIT living wage calculator to determine cost of living by region for single adults and families of four.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

A calculator performs arithmetic flawlessly, yet no one imagines it feels anything while doing so.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

He puts the paper back down and cups his chin with one hand; the other hand punches numbers into a calculator.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na