generate

verb
gen·​er·​ate | \ ˈje-nə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio) \
generated; generating

Definition of generate

transitive verb

1 : to bring into existence: such as
b : to originate by a vital, chemical, or physical process : produce generate electricity
2 : to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) these stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspenseAtlantic
3 : to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations especially : to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve

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Examples of generate in a Sentence

windmills used to generate electricity This business should generate a lot of revenue. We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting. His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists. Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement. They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.
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Recent Examples on the Web

So the French goal of building another 1,000 kilometers of power-generating highways seems a distant prospect. Nr Editors, National Review, "The Week," 22 Aug. 2019 While the boom in data-generating equipment and philosophies has been used on the pitching side for years, teams are only just starting to harness that on the hitting side. Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ D-III draftee Toby Welk, Juco hitting coach Tom Eller showing ‘opportunities are in unusual places’," 21 Aug. 2019 O’Kane said the most noticeable component of the final phase will be steam blows, in which heat from the combustion turbines is used to generate high-pressure steam to clean the main lines and pipes of the new plant. Priscella Vega, Daily Pilot, "New power plant in Huntington Beach is 91% complete, AES says," 21 Aug. 2019 Ideas generated at the Ramona and Valley Center workshops will be coalesced by Planning and Development Services staff. Julie Gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "County collects ideas for boosting agri-tourism," 21 Aug. 2019 Each is generated by abnormal activity in a distinct set of brain circuits that regulate mood and cognition. Emily Underwood, Science | AAAS, "Brain scans could help personalize treatment for people who are depressed or suicidal," 20 Aug. 2019 In the fifth, double-generating machine Rafael Devers hit his 44th of the year, scraping the Monster with a sky-high fly ball. Matt Porter, BostonGlobe.com, "O’s no problem as Rick Porcello, offense roll Baltimore at Fenway," 16 Aug. 2019 In 2012, Forbes reported Modern Family was one of the highest revenue-generating shows that year. Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "Sarah Hyland's Net Worth Is High Enough to Make Haley Dunphy Jealous," 13 Aug. 2019 That number is only three points less than the team has generated in the same number of games at home. Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City heads to Toronto for crucial Eastern Conference matchup," 11 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of generate

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for generate

Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth — more at kin

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More Definitions for generate

generate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of generate

: to produce (something) or cause (something) to be produced
: to be the cause of or reason for (something, such as interest or excitement)

generate

verb
gen·​er·​ate | \ ˈje-nə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio) \
generated; generating

Kids Definition of generate

: to cause to come into being Windmills can generate electricity. Her comments have generated excitement.

generate

verb
gen·​er·​ate | \ ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce generate (audio) \
generated; generating

Medical Definition of generate

transitive verb

: to bring into existence especially : procreate generate innumerable offspring

intransitive verb

: to produce offspring : propagate