What does "generator" mean?
One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.
Generator
/ˈdʒɛnəɹeɪtə(ɹ)/ noun
noun ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.
- Grammar: generator is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: source, ac motor, accelerator, actuator.
- Useful contrasts: analyzers, consumer, electric motor.
- Usage evidence: Every hospital has a back-up electric generator in case of blackout.
How to use "generator"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "generator" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "generator" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "generator" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "generator" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "generator" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "source" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "generator", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.
- 2 engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction wordnet
- 3 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- see also generating tone.
- 4 an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas wordnet
- 5 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; An interval that is repeatedly stacked to obtain other pitches in tuning systems or scales.
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 an electronic device for producing a signal voltage wordnet
- 7 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; An element of a group that is used in the presentation of the group: one of the elements from which the others can be inferred with the given relators.
- 8 someone who originates or causes or initiates something wordnet
- 9 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; One of the lines of a ruled surface; more generally, an element of some family of linear spaces.
- 10 One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.; A subordinate piece of code which, given some initial parameters, will generate multiple output values on request.
"When you come across something that looks like a listcomp but is surrounded by parentheses, you're looking at a generator: […]"
- 11 A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.
- 12 A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.; Especially, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
"In 1915, concurrent with the L.S.W.R. electrification, power was supplied from the Waterloo sub-station, and the old equipment held in reserve. Some generator sets were removed, and motor generators installed for standby lighting and other services."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Every hospital has a back-up electric generator in case of blackout."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "generator"?
Common synonyms include: source, ac motor, accelerator, actuator, aeromotor, agent.
How do you use "generator" in a sentence?
Every hospital has a back-up electric generator in case of blackout.
How do you pronounce "generator"?
Pronounced /ˈdʒɛnəɹeɪtə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Latin, from past participle of genero (“beget, father”), equivalent to generate + -or.