gaffer

noun

gaf·​fer ˈga-fər 

1

: an old man compare gammer

2

British

a

: foreman, overseer

b

: employer

3

: a head glassblower

4

: a lighting electrician on a movie or television set

Did you know?

Though movie and cinema buffs associate gaffer with Hollywood, the word actually pre-dates motion pictures by about 300 years. The first recorded use of gaffer dates from the 16th century, when it was used as a title of respect for an older gentleman. Later it was used as a generic noun for any elderly man, and then it picked up the sense "foreman" (still used in British English), perhaps because the foreman was the most experienced and, most likely, the oldest person in a work crew. Today gaffer is usually applied to the head lighting electrician on a movie set. The gaffer's assistant is called the best boy.

Examples of gaffer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The production team also includes gaffer and cinematographer Sebastian Kolderup-Lane, camera and drone operator Kariem Meg, camera and gimbal operator Julien Hassid, editor Javon Dawkins and sound mixer Joe McGill. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

The collab stickers are a recreation of handwritten gaffer-tape labels Jonze uses on his continually growing collection of Warby Parker eyewear. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Supporters argue that film incentives contribute to the economy at large, not just subsidize the salaries of local grips, gaffers and camera and lighting operators. — Brent Lang, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

And nearly all other crew members, from production designers to gaffers, are members of IATSE. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

phonetic reduction of godfather entry 1 (with initial vowel perhaps from grandfather entry 1)

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gaffer

• staffer
• anaphor
• semaphore
• cartographer
• telegrapher

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