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

Just last week, the grid operator released a $6.1-billion plan to build new electric lines that would help import solar and wind power from Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and from offshore wind turbines that would produce more consistently than onshore wind farms. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

The studio operator in 2021 launched Martini Entertainment Group to produce originals in the lifestyle, factual, docuseries, kids and family and comedy content spaces. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024

The nonprofit takes a multipronged approach to conservation, partnering with safari operators such as Robin Pope Safaris and the Bushcamp Company to collect data and better manage habitats, as well as training a new generation of conservationists within Zambia. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024

Police have obtained a warrant for his arrest for felony hit-and-run, speed to elude and no operator's license. —Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 6 Apr. 2024

In a separate briefing for reporters Thursday, the IDF said the biggest mistake was that the operators of the unmanned aerial vehicle tracking the convoy were not made aware of the aid convoy’s coordination plan. —Lior Soroka, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

The company predicted the autonomous cars would last 11 years and drive 1 million miles, making the company and the car’s operators $30,000 in profit each year. —Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

The settlement also requires the General Services to make several changes, including having a tank operator doing more regular inspections, and providing more regular reports, as required by state law. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024

In regard to any price changes, that’s up to the franchisee, but the Round Table Pizza franchisor is helping its operators maintain its margins. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2024

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

• smooth operator
• crane operator

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