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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Using a credit-card payoff calculator can help create a plan to pay it off as soon as possible.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 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

Did you know you can use the calculator on your phone for easy currency conversion?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

I know he’s using a calculator, but I appreciate his effort to make fun of me.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty