generator

American  

[jen-uh-rey-ter] / ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪ tər /

noun

1. a machine that converts one form of energy into another, especially mechanical energy into electrical energy, as a dynamo, or electrical energy into sound, as an acoustic generator.

2. a person or thing that generates.

3. Chemistry. an apparatus for producing a gas or vapor.

4. Mathematics.

   1. an element or one of a set of elements from which a specified mathematical object can be formed by applying certain operations.

   2. an element, as a line, that generates a figure.

5. Computers. a program that produces a particular type of output on demand, as random numbers, an application program, or a report.

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generator British  

/ ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtə /

noun

1. physics

   1. any device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction, esp a large one as in a power station

   2. a device for producing a voltage electrostatically

   3. any device that converts one form of energy into another form

      an acoustic generator

2. an apparatus for producing a gas

3. a person or thing that generates

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generator Cultural  

1. A device that produces electric current (see also current), usually by rotating a conductor in a magnetic field, thereby generating current through electromagnetic induction. This sort of generator produces an alternating current (AC).

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Etymology

Origin of generator

1640–50; < Latin generātor producer, equivalent to generā ( re ) ( see generate) + -tor -tor

Explanation

If your neighborhood loses power, it’s good to have your own generator so you can keep the lights on. A generator is machine that produces power. Generator can also mean someone who creates something. If you come up with lots of ideas, you are an idea generator. Not so helpful during a blackout unless you had the idea to get a portable generator. This kind of generator makes electricity out of some other type of power (like wind power) or fuel (like propane or gas). In Latin, generator means "begetter or producer," from generare, "to bring forth."

Example Sentences

And the answers may surprise you - a Van de Graaff generator and a theremin.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Voyager 1, like its twin Voyager 2, is powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator that converts heat from decaying plutonium into electricity.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

This year, the firm's slick AI video generator, SeeDance 2.0, raised concerns over copyright and potential future job losses with its cinematic-looking clips created using just simple prompts.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

“So apparently I’m supposed to be using a generator, and for how long!?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

My generator will soon be out of gas anyway—and I can hide my acquired assets in the attic behind the boxes of Christmas ornaments.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman