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

See Examples For:

generator generators

Ramirez knows from experience that if you use a generator, “it will break down at the worst time.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

This is an "uncertainty generator," added Scott Lincicome of the libertarian Cato Institute.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Brad Long, a bitcoin financial coach based outside of Atlanta, said he purchased roughly $10,000 of Stretch late last year to see if its dividends could serve as a viable income generator in retirement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

It involves an operation where a generator is implanted into the patients chest.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Fortunately, a backup generator in unit 6 had been installed beyond the reach of the flood.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Voyager 2 and its twin, Voyager 1, rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which produce electricity from heat released by decaying plutonium.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026

The plant -- which is close to the front line of the war -- has repeatedly suffered power cuts, with emergency diesel generators providing power for crucial cooling functions.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

On the other hand, the AI build-out is also pouring money into other capital-spending categories, like cooling systems and backup generators.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

Mercy Corps now supports some of the new co-working spaces which have popped up across Gaza using generators and solar panels to offer better internet connections and a more stable power supply.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

Ifemelu climbed out of the car and into the loud, discordant drone of generators, too many generators; the sound pierced the soft middle of her ears and throbbed in her head.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie