Definition of operator
1 : one that operates: such asa : one that operates a machine or deviceb : one that operates a businessc : one that performs surgical operationsd : one that deals in stocks or commodities
2a : mountebank, fraudb : a shrewd and skillful person who knows how to circumvent restrictions or difficulties
3a : something and especially a symbol that denotes or performs a mathematical or logical operationb : a mathematical function
4 : a binding site in a DNA chain at which a genetic repressor binds to inhibit the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA by one or more nearby structural genes —called also operator gene — compare operon
operatorless
adjectiveRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of operator in a Sentence
the operator of an automobile
the operator of a nuclear power plant
Call the operator for the phone number.
Operator, please connect me with extension 123.
She's quite an operator—no one else could have gotten them all to agree to the project.
Recent Examples of operator from the Web
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But the work — and start-up time for new operators — is daunting.
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Consider forgiving the rent and water costs to attract an operator who will improve, not simply maintain, the course, someone who will actively nurture golf.
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Harvell and Fischel are the brewery's packaging technician and brew house operator, respectively.
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Cruise ship operators, commercial airlines, hotel chains, telecommunications companies and farmers have moved to take advantage of President Barack Obama's easing of trade and travel restrictions with the island nation.
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Noriega tried to flee, pursued by U.S. special operators.
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Increasingly, green tourism operators are focusing on the human factor, or the impact on local people.
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The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) wants at least one of the smaller 75-pound cutting teeth, and a control panel that operators used to steer Bertha, Ogaki said.
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SoftBank has invested in startups in China, India and the U.S. and acquired control of larger companies such as U.K. chipmaker ARM Holdings Plc and U.S. wireless operator Sprint Corp.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'operator'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1598
First Known Use of operator
1598
OPERATOR Defined for English Language Learners
operator
playDefinition of operator for English Language Learners
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: a person who uses and controls something (such as a machine, device, or business) : someone who operates something
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: a person whose job is to help to connect telephone calls : a person who is in charge of a telephone switchboard
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: a person who is able to easily achieve things especially by persuading people or by being dishonest
OPERATOR Defined for Kids
operator
playDefinition of operator for Students
1 : a person who manages or controls something a plow operator
2 : a person in charge of a telephone switchboard
3 : a person who is skillful at achieving things by persuasion or deception
Medical Dictionary
operator
playMedical Definition of operator
1: one (as a dentist or surgeon) who performs surgical operations
2: a binding site in a DNA chain at which a genetic repressor binds to inhibit the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA by one or more nearby structural genes—called also operator gene; compare operon
Learn More about operator
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See words that rhyme with operator Spanish Central: Translation of operator Nglish: Translation of operator for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of operator for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operator
Seen and Heard
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