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

Value still works, but measuring it requires more than a pocket calculator.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

A married couple without children making almost $84,000 — the median income as of 2024 — could see their income-tax bill drop to $873 from nearly $5,700, according to a calculator on Booker’s website.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Mum didn't take her eyes off her calculator.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell