operator
ˈɑpəˌreɪtər
Definition Synonyms

Definition of operator - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
machineryperson who controls a machine or device
  • The operator started the engine with ease.
controller
2.
businessperson who runs a business or company
  • The operator of the restaurant decided to expand.
entrepreneur
3.
mathematicsTECH.symbol representing a mathematical operationTECH.
  • The plus sign is a common operator in math.
notation sign symbol
4.
technologyTECH.administrator of a network or channelTECH.
  • The operator banned the user from the chat room.
administrator moderator supervisor
5.
telecommunicationsDatedperson who connects telephone callsDated
  • The operator connected me to the right department.
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with operator

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
person skilled at charming and persuading others
He is a real smooth operator at parties.
someone who is smooth and persuasive
He's a slick operator, always knowing what to say.
person controlling and managing machinery
The machine operator ensured the equipment ran smoothly.
person who sews using a sewing machine
The sewing-machine operator stitched the dress perfectly.
company that provides regular boat transport for people or vehicles across water
The local ferry operator added extra crossings during the holiday weekend.
individual controlling a camera for live broadcast
The camera operator adjusted the focus during the concert.

Origin of operator

Latin, operari (to work)

Terms with operator included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
licensed operator
person licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
operator
person who operates a dry cleaning business
tram operator
person who drives and ensures safety of a tram
boat operator
man who operates or manages a boat
bus operator
person who drives a long-distance bus
industry
owner or operator of oil wells
unmanned
lacking a crew or operator on site
hamn.
radio
amateur radio operator

Examples of operator in a sentence

  • An experienced operator can handle multiple machines simultaneously.
  • The operator of the tech startup innovated constantly.
  • As an operator, she managed the daily operations smoothly.
  • The division sign is another operator used in equations.
  • In algebra, the operator determines the operation to perform.
  • The operator managed the server efficiently.

View all translations of operator

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:opérateur, exploitant, ...
  2. German:Maschinist, Betreiber, ...
  3. Italian:operatore, gestore, ...
  4. Spanish:operador, gerente, ...
  5. Portuguese:operador, gerente, ...
  6. Chinese:操作员, 经营者, ...
  7. Japanese:オペレーター, 経営者, ...
  8. Arabic:مُشَغِّل, مُدِير, ...
  9. Hebrew:מַפְעִיל, בְּעָלִים, ...
  10. Russian:оператор, владелец, ...
  11. Ukrainian:оператор, власник, ...
  12. Hindi:मशीन चालक, प्रबंधक, ...
Browse the dictionary entries starting with “o”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery