supervisor
SOO-puh-veye-zuh
Supervisor (noun) means a person officially responsible for overseeing someone's work. Example: “My supervisor checked the report and suggested a few small changes.”
noun
1
A person officially responsible for overseeing someone's work.
"My supervisor checked the report and suggested a few small changes."
"Ask your supervisor before taking time off."
"The new supervisor reorganized the whole shift schedule."
2
An elected member of a governing body in some U.S. counties.
"The county supervisor attended the public meeting to hear residents' concerns."
"Voters in the district elected a new supervisor last autumn."
"The board of supervisors voted on the new zoning law."
How to use supervisor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose job is to oversee and manage other people's work.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
direct supervisor
shift supervisor
report to a supervisor
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Word forms
- Plural
- supervisors
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My _____ checked the report and suggested a few small changes.
Etymology
From Middle English supervisor, from Latin supervideo, from super- + videre ("to see"); by surface analysis, supervise + -or.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for supervisor
See all rhymes for supervisor →Frequently asked questions
What does “supervisor” mean?
The word “supervisor” means a person officially responsible for overseeing someone's work. In plain terms, someone whose job is to oversee and manage other people's work.
How do you pronounce “supervisor”?
“Supervisor” is pronounced SOO-puh-veye-zuh (/ˈsupɚˌvaɪzɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “supervisor” in a sentence?
Here is “supervisor” used in a sentence: “Ask your supervisor before taking time off.”
What part of speech is “supervisor”?
“Supervisor” is a noun.
Where does the word “supervisor” come from?
The word “supervisor” comes from Latin. From Middle English supervisor, from Latin supervideo, from super- + videre ("to see"); by surface analysis, supervise + -or.
Is “supervisor” a common word?
“Supervisor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “supervisor” have?
“Supervisor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person officially responsible for overseeing someone's work.
What is the difference between a "supervisor" and a "manager"?
A "supervisor" typically oversees the day-to-day work of a team or individual employees, while a "manager" usually has broader responsibility for goals, budgets, and strategy. Supervisors often report to managers, and the supervisor's focus stays closer to the front line of the work.
What is the difference between a "supervisor" and a "boss"?
"Supervisor" is a specific role title for someone officially responsible for overseeing your work, while "boss" is an informal, general word for anyone in authority over you. Your supervisor is a boss, but "boss" can also refer to a manager, an owner, or any superior.
What is a "supervisor" in U.S. county government?
In some U.S. counties, a "supervisor" is an elected member of the county's governing body, similar to a councillor. This political meaning is different from the workplace sense of someone who oversees employees' work.
