operator

noun

op·​er·​a·​tor ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər 

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

a

: mountebank, fraud

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

As such, Ukraine will need to adjust its defenses to counter large numbers of FPV drones through a layered approach that combines physical barriers, kinetic and non-kinetic defenses, and glide bombs to destroy Russian drone operator positions. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Under the agreement, a joint company comprising the US government and a Venezuelan private operator will receive a 100-year lease to develop 17 oil fields. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Many important details remain unclear, including who will cover necessary investments, the identity of the private operator and how America’s stake in the company breaks down. — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Many important details remain unclear, including the identity of the private operator, who will cover necessary investments and how America’s stake in the company breaks down. — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing operator

• crane operator
• smooth operator

Rhymes for operator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

operator

noun

op·​er·​a·​tor ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər 

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 

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