operator
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for operator, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use operator
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin operator, "one who works," from operari — the same root as "operate."
Full origin of operator →Frequently asked questions
What does “operator” mean?
The word “operator” means a person who runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system. In plain terms, someone or something that runs or controls a system, service, or piece of equipment.
How do you pronounce “operator”?
“Operator” is pronounced O-puh-ray-tuh (/ˈɑpəˌɹeɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “operator” in a sentence?
Here is “operator” used in a sentence: “The crane operator carefully lowered the beam into place.”
What part of speech is “operator”?
“Operator” is a noun.
Where does the word “operator” come from?
The word “operator” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin operator, "one who works," from operari — the same root as "operate.".
Is “operator” a common word?
“Operator” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “operator” have?
“Operator” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system.
What is the difference between an 'operator' and a 'driver'?
An operator is a person who runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system, which can include stationary equipment like a crane or a printing press. A driver specifically controls a moving road vehicle, so every driver is an operator, but not every operator drives.
What is the difference between an 'operator' and an 'operative'?
An operator runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system, or connects telephone calls. An operative is a worker or agent, often a skilled labourer or someone carrying out secret or specialised work, and does not carry the machine-control meaning.
What kinds of words commonly follow 'operator'?
'Operator' often pairs with the machine or system being run, as in 'crane operator', 'machine operator', 'tour operator', or 'network operator'. These collocations point to the sense of a person who runs or controls something.