generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce generator (audio)
1
: one that generates: such as
a
: an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed
b
: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy
2
: a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements
specifically : generatrix

Did you know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator. a backup generator for the store
Recent Examples on the Web But the batteries are mainly there to handle the tiny gap in time that generators need to kick in. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024 Monday’s courthouse closure has been blamed on generator problems that originated March 4, when the Family Justice Center had to close because its main generator failed. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024 Thanks to a backup generator, the pilot was able to issue a mayday warning via radio that allowed first responders to shut down car traffic on the bridge. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024 Strang expanded the old car barn and added two generators. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024 Jackery is currently having a huge sale on its solar generators, so check out their site for all your options. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 11 Apr. 2024 These rituals offer couples emotional generators to affirm their shared reality and identity. Michael I. Norton, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024 Soundtrack Your Brand, a global music streaming service that provides music for businesses, launched an AI playlist generator last week. Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 16 Apr. 2024 The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator. Elizabeth Warkentin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generator was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near generator

Cite this Entry

“Generator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generator. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

generator

noun
gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce generator (audio)
: one that generates: as
a
: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed
b
: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

More from Merriam-Webster on generator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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