operator

operator op‧e‧ra‧tor [ˈɒpəreɪtə ǁ ˈɑːpəreɪtər] noun [countable]

1. JOBS MANUFACTURING someone who works a machine or piece of equipment:

• a computer operator

• This machine requires a skilled operator.

2. a person or company that operates a particular business:

• the merger of two ferry operators

— see also owner-operator

ˈtour ˌoperator

TRAVEL a company that arranges holidays for people, including their travel, hotels etc:

• There is likely to be a battle between the major tour operators this summer.

3. someone who works on a telephone switchboard, who you can call for help when you have problems:

• I tried calling the operator.

* * *

operator UK US /ˈɒpəreɪtə^r/ noun [C]

► someone whose job is to use and control a machine, vehicle, or piece of equipment: »

a camera/crane/forklift operator

»

The system lets you talk directly to a call centre operator.

► a company that runs a particular type of business: »

a cable/mobile-phone/hotel operator

»

The company is the owner and operator of several radio stations.

► COMMUNICATIONS a person who connects people on a phone system: »

a switchboard operator

»

He worked as a 911 operator with the Cincinnati Police Department.

● a smooth/slick/clever operator — Cf. a smooth/slick/clever operator

→ See also OWNER-OPERATOR(Cf. ↑owner-operator), TOUR OPERATOR(Cf. ↑tour operator)