noun
operator
Someone who operates equipment or manages a service.
The crane operator carefully lifts the beam into place.
Etymology
The agent ending identifies the person doing the work of operating. The noun covers someone controlling equipment or running an organized service.
More examples
- Machine operators check the equipment before each shift.
- The telephone operator connects me to the billing department.
- As a tour operator, Maya arranges trips for small groups.
Forms
operator · operators
operate verb — To control equipment or manage a service.
Similar words
- machinist
- Operates machine tools, especially to shape metal parts.
- manager
- Directs a service or business without necessarily operating equipment.