What does "regulator" mean?
A device that controls or limits something.
Regulator
/ˈɹɛɡ.ju.leɪ.tɚ/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A device that controls or limits something.
- Grammar: regulator is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: governor, adjuster, adjusters, adjustor.
- Useful contrasts: powerful industrialist, deregulator, nonregulator.
- Usage evidence: The case was referred to the media regulator.
How to use "regulator"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "regulator" 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 "regulator" 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 "regulator" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "regulator" 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 "regulator" 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 "governor" 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 "regulator", 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 A device that controls or limits something.
- 2 a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel) wordnet
- 3 A device that controls or limits something.; Ellipsis of voltage regulator. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
"The regulator stopped working and the resulting overvoltage destroyed the device."
- 4 any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc. wordnet
- 5 A person or group that sets standards of practice, especially regulatory law as sanctioned by statutory law.
"[…]in part because a key county reservoir had to been^([sic]) drained to reduce earthquake risks highlighted by federal regulators."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 an official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest wordnet
- 7 A very accurate clock, used by clockmakers to measure the timekeeping of each newly made clock.
- 8 A gene involved in controlling the expression of one or more other genes.
- 9 A device that controls the supply of steam to the cylinders of a steam locomotive.
"Driver G. A. Rowett, of the North Eastern Region's Neville Hill shed, now joined the locomotive as pilotman, and actually took over the regulator, Fireman Wheddon continuing to fire."
- 10 Synonym of bulldozer (“member of intimidating group of white US Southerners”). historical
- 11 A positive real number determining the density of the units in Dirichlet's unit theorem.
Antonyms
Example
"The case was referred to the media regulator."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "regulator"?
Common synonyms include: governor, adjuster, adjusters, adjustor, adjustors, amplifier.
How do you use "regulator" in a sentence?
The case was referred to the media regulator.
How do you pronounce "regulator"?
Pronounced /ˈɹɛɡ.ju.leɪ.tɚ/.
Etymology
From regulate + -or.