noun
supervisor
SOO-per-vy-zer/ˈsuːpərvaɪzər/
An official responsible for overseeing others' work.
The supervisor checks a joint while a worker assembles the parts.
Etymology
A supervisor is literally someone who “sees over” something. The underlying idea of inspection extends to responsibility for directing workers and their work.
In context
a two-person job the operator and a supervisor who should be double-checking all of the work
More examples
- Ask your supervisor before changing your work schedule.
- Both supervisors help train new employees.
- The county supervisor listens to residents at the board meeting.
Forms
supervisor · supervisors
supervise verb — To oversee and direct other people's work.
supervision noun — The act of overseeing other people's work.
Similar words
- manager
- Often has broader responsibility for staffing, budgets, and operations.
- overseer
- Emphasizes watching and directing work rather than broader administrative duties.