English Reference

Word

operator

Phoneticsop·er·a·tor

US/ˈɑpɝˌeɪtɝ/

UK/ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɐ/

Definitions

01machine/system user

B1

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.”

02service company

B2

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

B1

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

telephonistdispatcher

04clever/shrewd person

C1

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

C1 · Math

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

Synonyms

06military specialist

C1

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

Real-World Examples

“Eurotunnel, operator of LeShuttle, takes vehicles on the cross-Channel route.”
The Guardian · 17 Aug 2026
“Most train operators have banned e-scooters on board for this reason.”
BBC News · 22 Jul 2026

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

ComputingLinguisticsMathematicsMiningProgramming

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Common
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/operator

English Reference