separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈse-pə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce separator (audio)
ˈse-ˌprā-tər
Synonyms of separatornext
: one that separates
especially : a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (such as cream from milk) or liquids from solids

Synonyms of separator

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Examples of separator in a Sentence

the toddler insisted on a dinner plate with separators so that different foods would never touch one another
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those details will be the separator, in a room that’s become cluttered. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 11 May 2026 The doctors made a small cut under each breast and then inserted a channel separator to move around the breast tissue. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Larry came down to buy a cream separator and ended up buying the whole facility. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 May 2026 If several teams finish on the same points total, goal difference becomes the first separator. — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for separator

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separator was in 1607

Rhymes for separator

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Browse Nearby Words

separative
separator
separator man
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Cite this Entry

“Separator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separator. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

separator

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce separator (audio)
: one that separates
especially : a device for separating liquids (as cream from milk) of different densities or liquids from solids

Medical Definition

separator

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce separator (audio)
: one that separates: as
a
: a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (as cream from milk) or liquids from solids
b
: a dental appliance for separating adjoining teeth to give access to their surfaces

More from Merriam-Webster on separator

Nglish: Translation of separator for Spanish Speakers

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