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; see calculate, -tor

Example Sentences

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

The BBC has created a calculator to see how your pay could be affected.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 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

"What's the point of that when you can buy a calculator?"

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl