coordinator

noun co·or·di·na·tor \ kō-ˈȯr-də-ˌnā-tər \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of coordinator

1 : one who coordinates something

… government becomes the coordinator of the economy but not its boss.
—Robert Heilbroner

especially : a person who organizes people or groups so that they work together efficiently

a project coordinator

She served as the coordinator of the rescue effort.

(American football) a defensive/offensive coordinator [=a coach who is responsible for overseeing a team's defensive/offensive players and strategies]

2 grammar : coordinating conjunction

See coordinator defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of coordinator from the Web

In another episode, special teams coordinator and associate head coach Pete Lembo ecstatically grabs Anthony Ekpe at the neck of his shoulder pads, lauding him after the linebacker slammed through a teammate.

— glynn a. hill, Houston Chronicle, "Rice football retools with renewed energy this spring," 13 Apr. 2018
As a former video coordinator and someone who developed game plans for upcoming opponents for Pat Riley during his first 13 years with the Heat, Erik Spoelstra got to used many long nights in the film room.

— manny navarro, miamiherald, "How the Heat can help its overworked video department with a win Monday over OKC | Miami Herald," 8 Apr. 2018
The Jaguars held joint practices with the New England Patriots last season, when Patricia was the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, and Patricia and Jaguars coach Doug Marrone have a close relationship.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia wants joint practices during camp," 5 Apr. 2018
Long was the Bruins defensive coordinator in 1996-97, while Caragher was coaching the wide receivers, punters and kickers.

— kirk kenney, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Aztecs hiring former USD football coach Ron Caragher as an assistant," 5 Apr. 2018
Ellis was the Hilltoppers' passing game coordinator in 2016 and, after a coaching change, called plays in a 51-31 victory over Memphis in the Boca Raton Bowl — before Helton hired him at USC.

— lindsey thiry, latimes.com, "Bryan Ellis, USC's new quarterbacks coach, wants to prove he's no babe in the college football woods," 3 Apr. 2018
The other new dynamic in the position group is the addition of Alex Grinch as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

— tim bielik, cleveland.com, "Former Ohio State guard Katie Smith makes the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018," 31 Mar. 2018
This year, two new coordinators took over the reins of the program for LLUMC.

— susan soldavin, Howard County Times, "Grassroots program provides opportunities for all to help [Clarksville]," 29 Mar. 2018
The following season, Craig was named assistant coach/video coordinator and then in 2013-14 he was promoted to assistant coach.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Erik Spoelstra misses first game as Heat coach to be with expectant wife," 25 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coordinator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of coordinator

1849

Learn More about coordinator

Spanish Central: Translation of coordinator Nglish: Translation of coordinator for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of coordinator for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up coordinator? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

coordinator

Definition of coordinator

Recent Examples of coordinator from the Web

First Known Use of coordinator

Learn More about coordinator

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

True or False?

Syn City

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

coordinator

Definition of coordinator

Recent Examples of coordinator from the Web

First Known Use of coordinator

Learn More about coordinator

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes