operator

noun

op·​er·​a·​tor ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce operator (audio)
ˈä-ˌprā-
1
: one that operates: such as
a
: one that operates a machine or device
b
: one that operates a business
c
: one that performs surgical operations
d
: one that deals in stocks or commodities
2
b
: a shrewd and skillful person who knows how to circumvent restrictions or difficulties
3
a
: something and especially a symbol that denotes or performs a mathematical or logical operation
b
: 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 adjective

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The agency is still updating its drone policies, training drone operators and developing the capabilities of its new aviation division, the report said. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 11 July 2025 The project includes a $6.2-million investment in interceptor drones, operator training and new mobile response units, according to the head of the Kyiv Military Administration. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 Raids on California farms in June already left crops unharvested and farm operators fearful of more crackdowns to come. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 Arizona officials require autonomous vehicle operators to submit documents instructing law enforcement and first responders on how to interact with their driverless cars in emergency situations. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for operator

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin operātor "worker, producer," from operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -tor, agent suffix — more at operate

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of operator was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Operator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

operator

noun
op·​er·​a·​tor ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce operator (audio)
1
: a person who operates something
the operator of an automobile
2
: a person in charge of a telephone switchboard

Medical Definition

operator

noun
op·​er·​a·​tor ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce operator (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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