What does "operator" mean?

1. (machine/system user) someone whose job is to use and control a machine or a piece of equipment. 2. (service company) a company that provides a public service, like transport or phones. 3. (phone assistant) a person who helps you make a phone call or gives you information over the phone. 4. (clever/shrewd person) someone who is very good at making deals or getting what they want, sometimes in a dishonest way. 5. (math/logic symbol) a symbol in math or computer code that shows an action, like plus (+) or minus (-). 6. (military specialist) a member of a highly trained special forces military unit.

operator

US //ˈɑpɝˌeɪtɝ// UK //ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɐ// op·er·a·tor

1 machine/system user (n.)
B1 Intermediate

someone whose job is to use and control a machine or a piece of equipment.

a person who operates a specific machine, device, or system as their primary function.

Example

The crane operator moved the heavy steel beams with great care.

Example

The factory requires a skilled operator to monitor the automated assembly line and intervene if the sensors detect a fault.
2 service company (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a company that provides a public service, like transport or phones.

an organisation or business entity that manages and provides a specific utility or service.

Example

You should check with your mobile network operator about roaming charges.

Example

The regional rail operator announced a new schedule to accommodate the increased volume of commuters during the summer months.

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3 phone assistant (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a person who helps you make a phone call or gives you information over the phone.

a telecommunications professional who assists callers with connections, directory enquiries, or emergency services.

Example

I couldn't find the number, so I called the operator for help.

Example

In the early days of telephony, every call had to be manually patched through by a central operator at a switchboard.
- telephonist
- dispatcher
4 clever/shrewd person (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

someone who is very good at making deals or getting what they want, sometimes in a dishonest way.

a person who is adept at manipulating situations or people to achieve their goals, often implying a lack of scruples.

Example

Watch out for him in business meetings; he is a smooth operator.

Example

The CEO was known as a shrewd operator who could navigate complex political landscapes to secure the most profitable contracts for his firm.
- manipulator
- schemer
- player
5 math/logic symbol (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

a symbol in math or computer code that shows an action, like plus (+) or minus (-).

a character or symbol representing a specific mathematical or logical process or transformation.

Example

The plus sign is a basic mathematical operator used for addition.

Example

The programmer used a logical operator to ensure the code only executed when both conditions were met simultaneously.
- function
- symbol
6 military specialist (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

a member of a highly trained special forces military unit.

a member of a special operations unit, typically within a military or intelligence framework.

Example

The mission was carried out by a team of elite special forces operators.

Example

As a highly trained operator, he was expected to maintain peak physical condition and master a wide array of tactical equipment.
- specialist
- commando

Origin

Borrowed from Latin operātor, from operor (“work, labour”). Equivalent to operate + -or.

Idioms1 entry

01
smooth operator
A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.