tabulator

[ tab-yuh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that tabulates.
2. tab ¹( def 7 ).

tabulator

/ ˈtæbjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a device for setting the automatic stops that locate the column margins on a typewriter
2. computing a machine that reads data from one medium, such as punched cards, producing lists, tabulations, or totals, usually on a continuous sheet of paper
3. any machine that tabulates data

Word History and Origins

Origin of tabulator¹

First recorded in 1880–85; tabulate + -or ²

Example Sentences

Bartling, who runs elections in the county, opposes the initiative and said she has “full faith in the automated tabulators.”

From Seattle Times

Many cities and townships now can run absentee ballots through tabulator machines starting eight days before the election.

From Seattle Times

In Minnesota, the state has used federal money to create grants for local election officials for voting system upgrades, including electronic pollbooks and tabulators.

From Seattle Times

The vote was delayed by a lengthy debate over a motion to ban the use of electronic tabulators — mistrusted by many election deniers in the party — to count the ballots.

From New York Times

Election experts say the aging AccuVote ballot tabulators in use across roughly half the state’s towns and cities don’t pose additional security risks.

From Seattle Times