# estimator

/ˈɛstɪˌmeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɛstɪmˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/estimator
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a person or a tool that calculates the cost or time needed for a job. In math, it is a rule or formula used to guess the value of something based on data.

For teachers: a person or device that calculates the cost, time, or quantity of a task. In statistical contexts, it refers to a rule or function used to infer the value of a population parameter from sample data.

## Examples

- The contractor sent an estimator to measure the room.
- The software acts as a cost estimator, providing a detailed breakdown of materials and labor required for the renovation.
- In econometrics, a consistent estimator is one that converges in probability to the true parameter value as the sample size increases, ensuring that the model remains reliable with more data.

---

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.