generator

American  

[jen-uh-rey-ter] / ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪ tər /

noun

generators plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• generators
  plural

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

InSilico’s proprietary AI platform is its biggest revenue generator, but betting on AI broadly isn’t a sure thing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

California regulations are part of what’s keeping data centers relatively small: A state rule requires any backup generator bigger than 100 megawatts to be certified as a power plant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

Fans sit on plastic chairs arranged on the sandy floor, their chatter mingling with the hum of a worn-out generator.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

The company’s main generator of revenue, electric vehicles, often plays second fiddle.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

I left the generator on, and there’s cereal in the cabinet and food in the fridge if you’re hungry.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone