Synonyms of generatornext
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 school’s presence had also brought public services to that tiny patch of steppe, including an on-site nurse and a few daily hours of electricity from a generator. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Florida deaths involved a fallen tree and a man found in a closed garage with a running generator. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026 In Florida’s Escambia County, Sheriff Chip Simmons said a woman was killed when a tree fell on her home and a man died of carbon monoxide fumes from a generator running in his garage. — Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 Another person was found dead inside his garage with a generator running, and DeSantis urged people to not run generators indoors. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for generator

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generator was in 1637

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Cite this Entry

“Generator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generator. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

generator

noun
: 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

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