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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The blackout snarled traffic, forced hundreds of businesses to close and left those unable to afford generators scrambling to buy ice and candles. Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 Professional baseball and basketball games were canceled as the hum of generators and smell of smoke filled the air. Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Since deregulating the energy industry in 1998, the state and the utility companies have negotiated with generators to acquire a diverse energy portfolio that the legislature has required to contain an ever increasing percentage of renewables. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025 The new trend comes less than a month after OpenAI launched its new image generator, GPT-4o. Greta Cross, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for generator

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generator was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Generator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generator. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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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