Word
operator
Phoneticsop·er·a·tor
US/ˈɑpɝˌeɪtɝ/
UK/ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɐ/
Definitions
01machine/system user
n. someone whose job is to use and control a machine or a piece of equipment.
n. 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.”
Synonyms
02service company
n. a company that provides a public service, like transport or phones.
n. 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.”
03phone assistant
n. a person who helps you make a phone call or gives you information over the phone.
n. 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.”
Synonyms
04clever/shrewd person
n. someone who is very good at making deals or getting what they want, sometimes in a dishonest way.
n. 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.”
Informal
Synonyms
05math/logic symbol
n. a symbol in math or computer code that shows an action, like plus (+) or minus (-).
n. 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.”
Technical
06military specialist
n. a member of a highly trained special forces military unit.
n. 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.”
Technical
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Eurotunnel, operator of LeShuttle, takes vehicles on the cross-Channel route.” “Most train operators have banned e-scooters on board for this reason.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin operātor, from operor (“work, labour”). Equivalent to operate + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
smooth operator — A person who accomplishes tasks with efficiency and grace, especially one with verbal skills who is persuasive in interpersonal relationships, negotiation, etc.
Domains
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/operator