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
Critics say the measure is driven by medical marijuana operators that want less competition if recreational marijuana is approved, according to Health News Florida.
—
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
One such crew, composed of plow drivers, snowblower operators and loader operators, takes on Monarch Pass, a stretch of Hwy. 50 between Salida and Gunnison, which only remains navigable year-round due to their commitment.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Other operators may choose to limit hours or staffing – perhaps shortening the time dining rooms are open at drive-through locations.
—Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 18 Apr. 2024
The sports betting operators and an organization that monitors gambling markets brought the unusual bets to the NBA’s attention, and the sports book froze the $80,000 wager, which would have otherwise paid out to $1.1 million.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024
If a miner’s exposure exceeds the limit, mine operators must take immediate corrective actions.
—Matthew Daly, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024
Ukrainian drone operators conduct flight tests near Kostiantynivka, April 14, 2024.
—Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2024
Clara Karger, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the city has emphasized to the receiver that any future owner and operator of trust buildings must ensure that tenants receive comprehensive social services.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
The buggy operators were transported to a local hospital after officers arrived on the scene.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
One such crew, composed of plow drivers, snowblower operators and loader operators, takes on Monarch Pass, a stretch of Hwy. 50 between Salida and Gunnison, which only remains navigable year-round due to their commitment.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Other operators may choose to limit hours or staffing – perhaps shortening the time dining rooms are open at drive-through locations.
—Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 18 Apr. 2024
The sports betting operators and an organization that monitors gambling markets brought the unusual bets to the NBA’s attention, and the sports book froze the $80,000 wager, which would have otherwise paid out to $1.1 million.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024
If a miner’s exposure exceeds the limit, mine operators must take immediate corrective actions.
—Matthew Daly, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024
Ukrainian drone operators conduct flight tests near Kostiantynivka, April 14, 2024.
—Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2024
Clara Karger, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said the city has emphasized to the receiver that any future owner and operator of trust buildings must ensure that tenants receive comprehensive social services.
—Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
The buggy operators were transported to a local hospital after officers arrived on the scene.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 15 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near operator
Cite this Entry
“Operator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operator. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 operonLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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