noun

operator

O-puh-ray-tuh

noun

A person who runs or controls a machine, vehicle, or system.

"The crane operator carefully lowered the beam into place."

A person who connects telephone calls or provides similar assistance.

"She asked the operator to connect her to the embassy."

A company that runs a particular service or business.

"The tour operator cancelled the trip due to bad weather."

A symbol representing a mathematical or programming action, such as + or =.

"The plus sign is an operator that adds two numbers together."

Someone who is skilled at getting results, sometimes through cunning or questionable means.

"He's a smooth operator who always seems to get his way."

How to Use Operator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone or something that runs or controls a system, service, or piece of equipment.

Common pairings

machine operator tour operator telephone operator smooth operator

operators plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The crane _____ carefully lowered the beam into place.

Borrowed from Latin operator, "one who works," from operari — the same root as "operate."

gator orator locator aviator senator equator Creator curator rotator agitator elevator narrator