# calculator

/ˈkæɫkjəˌɫeɪtɝ/ (US) · /kˈælkjʊlˌeɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/calculator
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. electronic device

noun · CEFR A2

a small electronic device or app that you use to do math problems.

For teachers: an electronic device, often handheld, or a software application designed to perform mathematical computations.

- You can use a calculator during the math exam to check your answers.
- Modern scientific calculators can handle complex trigonometric functions and statistical analysis that once required mainframe computers.

### 2. a person who calculates

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person whose job was to do long and difficult math problems before computers existed.

For teachers: a person employed to perform mathematical calculations, particularly in the era before electronic computing.

- In the old days, a calculator was a person who spent all day doing math by hand.
- Before the advent of digital technology, human calculators were essential for plotting the complex trajectories required for early space flight.

### 3. a schemer

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person who carefully plans things to get what they want, often in a cold or selfish way.

For teachers: a person who calculates or schemes for personal advantage, often implying a lack of emotion or empathy.

- He was a cold calculator who only helped people if it benefited him.
- The protagonist is portrayed as a brilliant but detached calculator, viewing every social interaction as a move in a larger political game.

## Examples

- I used a calculator to check my math homework.
- The teacher allowed the students to use a scientific calculator during the final physics exam.
- Modern graphing calculators can plot complex equations and perform statistical analysis, making them essential tools for advanced engineering students and researchers alike.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.