supervisor

noun

su·​per·​vi·​sor ˈsü-pər-ˌvī-zər How to pronounce supervisor (audio)
: one that supervises
especially : an administrative officer in charge of a business, government, or school unit or operation
supervisory adjective

Examples of supervisor in a Sentence

The supervisor fired him after he showed up at work drunk. If you have a problem, go to your supervisor.
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.
Yes, but: Though the modems were reliable and connected only briefly to online systems, the SOS has nonetheless encouraged eliminating them, Fitzgerald noted in a presentation to supervisors last month. Jason Clayworth, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 At that time, KC Pet Project appointed a supervisor of animal health and public safety administrator. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2025 Their initial step was to oust about 60 top supervisors, including the agency’s attorneys. Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 9 Feb. 2025 During the Tuesday, March 19, City Council meeting, city leaders approved the reorganization of the assistant fire chief and administrative captain positions to two deputy chiefs, all while adding an administrative assistant and filling open supervisor positions with three captain EMTs. Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for supervisor 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from supervidēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supervisor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near supervisor

Cite this Entry

“Supervisor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supervisor. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

supervisor

noun
su·​per·​vi·​sor ˈsü-pər-ˌvī-zər How to pronounce supervisor (audio)
: a person who supervises
especially : an officer in charge of a unit or an operation of a business, government, or school
supervisory adjective

Legal Definition

supervisor

noun
su·​per·​vi·​sor ˈsü-pər-ˌvī-zər How to pronounce supervisor (audio)
: one that directs or oversees a person, group, department, organization, or operation
specifically : the popularly elected chief administrative official of a township or other subdivision in some states of the U.S.
supervisorial
ˌsü-pər-ˌvī-ˈzōr-ē-əl
adjective
supervisory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on supervisor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!