operator

noun

op·​er·​a·​tor ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce operator (audio)
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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Back in 2005, 5% of all visitors to Las Vegas went to see shows run by avant-garde circus show operator Cirque du Soleil. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The tech giant helmed by Mark Zuckerberg was in the process of hammering out a deal with the operator of a nuclear power plant that would have provided electricity for a new data center. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 The weather was also affecting train and metro services accessing the airport, the operator said. Atika Shubert, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for operator 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of operator was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near operator

Cite this Entry

“Operator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operator. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

operator

noun
op·​er·​a·​tor ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce operator (audio)
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 How to pronounce operator (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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