# operator

/ˈɑpɝˌeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/operator
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. machine/system user

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The crane operator moved the heavy steel beams with great care.
- The factory requires a skilled operator to monitor the automated assembly line and intervene if the sensors detect a fault.

### 2. service company

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- You should check with your mobile network operator about roaming charges.
- The regional rail operator announced a new schedule to accommodate the increased volume of commuters during the summer months.

### 3. phone assistant

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- I couldn't find the number, so I called the operator for help.
- In the early days of telephony, every call had to be manually patched through by a central operator at a switchboard.

### 4. clever/shrewd person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- Watch out for him in business meetings; he is a smooth operator.
- The CEO was known as a shrewd operator who could navigate complex political landscapes to secure the most profitable contracts for his firm.

### 5. math/logic symbol

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: a character or symbol representing a specific mathematical or logical process or transformation.

- The plus sign is a basic mathematical operator used for addition.
- The programmer used a logical operator to ensure the code only executed when both conditions were met simultaneously.

### 6. military specialist

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a member of a highly trained special forces military unit.

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

- The mission was carried out by a team of elite special forces operators.
- As a highly trained operator, he was expected to maintain peak physical condition and master a wide array of tactical equipment.

## Examples

- The crane operator moved the heavy steel beams carefully.
- You should contact your network operator if you are having trouble making international calls from your mobile phone.
- Despite the complexity of the new automated system, the lead operator managed to recalibrate the sensors before the production line stalled.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.