English Reference
Noun

dispatcher

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈdɪsˌpætʃɝ/ UK /dɪspˈætʃɐ/ dis·patch·er UK spelling dispatchers Computing Gambling

n.a person who sends out vehicles or workers to where they are needed. You usually hear this word when talking about emergency services, taxis, or delivery trucks.

n.a person responsible for receiving messages and coordinating the movement of vehicles, emergency personnel, or equipment. Often used in the context of logistics, public safety, and transportation.


SIMPLE

The dispatcher sent an ambulance to the scene immediately.

CONTEXTUAL

After receiving the emergency call, the dispatcher coordinated with the nearest police units to ensure a rapid response.

COMPLEX

A skilled dispatcher must remain calm under pressure, managing multiple radio frequencies while simultaneously updating the digital tracking system with real-time location data.

Usage

Commonly used in professional contexts involving logistics, emergency services, or fleet management.

One recent fire near Fresno was spotted about 20 minutes before the first emergency call reached dispatchers.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

From dispatch + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated