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generative AI

American  
[jen-er-uh-tiv ey-ahy, -uh-rey-tiv] / ˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv ˈeɪˈaɪ, -əˌreɪ tɪv /

noun

Computers.
  1. artificial intelligence that is designed to process prompts from users and respond with text, images, audio, or other output that is modeled on a training data set.


Etymology

Origin of generative AI

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hangzhou-based DeepSeek burst onto the scene in January last year with a generative AI chatbot, powered by its R1 reasoning model, that upended assumptions of US dominance in the strategic sector.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Investors will also want more details on IBM’s generative AI software offerings, such as Red Hat AI Enterprise, and its quantum-computing efforts, Swanson added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

When the LLMs, or large language models, that power generative AI were in their early days, developers trained them on available digital media—books, websites, social posts, videos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Ironically, the film’s release is frustratingly soured by recent comments Soderbergh has made about generative AI.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

More than three years into the generative AI boom, a handful of startups are demonstrating astonishing growth rates while requiring enormous investments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026