Operator — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər/ op·er·a·tor

Meaning & Definition of Operator

Operator (noun)

  1. one that operates
  2. one that operates a machine or device
  3. one that operates a business

Operator (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in chauffeur

    similar: chauffeur, automobilist, driver, motorist, wheelman, codriver, carpooler
    opposite: nondriver

  2. as in actor, deceiver

    similar: actor, bluffer, counterfeiter, deceiver, dissembler, duper, feigner, misleader, trickster, copycat, imitator, impersonator, mimic, poseur, charlatan, fake, faker, fakir, fraud, hoaxer, humbug, impostor, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack, quacksalver, ringer, sham, cozener, defrauder, dodger, fraudster (chiefly British), scammer, scamster, sharper, sharpie, skinner, swindler
    opposite: ace, adept, authority, crackerjack, expert, maestro, master, past master, professional, virtuoso, whiz, wizard

  3. as in mechanic, smith

    similar: mechanic, shaper, smith, wright, consultant, ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack, dab (chiefly British), dab hand (chiefly British), expert, fiend, geek, guru, hand, hotshot, maestro, master, maven, meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard, pro, professional, specialist, technician, adviser, consigliere, counsel, counselor, addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan, craftsman, craftsperson, craftswoman, journeyman
    opposite: apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice, amateur, inexpert, nonexpert, layman, nonprofessional, dabbler, dilettante

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Operator

The most common words with a similar meaning to Operator:

Chiefly British: fraudster, dab, dab hand
chauffeur, automobilist, driver, motorist, wheelman, codriver, carpooler, actor, bluffer, counterfeiter, deceiver, dissembler, duper, feigner, misleader, trickster, copycat, imitator, impersonator, mimic, poseur, charlatan, fake, faker, fakir, fraud, hoaxer, humbug, impostor, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack, quacksalver, ringer, sham, cozener, defrauder, dodger, scammer

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Operator

Words with the opposite meaning of Operator:

ace, adept, authority, crackerjack, expert, maestro, master, past master, professional, virtuoso, whiz, wizard, apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice, amateur, inexpert, nonexpert, layman, nonprofessional, dabbler, dilettante, nondriver

Word Forms of Operator

Derived words: operatorless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Operator

borrowed from Late Latin operātor "worker, producer," from operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -tor, agent suffix operate

First known use: 1598

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Operator

Words & Phrases Containing Operator

crane operator, smooth operator

Frequently Asked Questions about Operator

What does "Operator" mean?

"Operator" means one that operates. As a noun, it is defined as: one that operates. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Operator"?

Other words for "Operator" include chauffeur, automobilist, driver, motorist, wheelman, codriver, carpooler and actor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Operator" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Operator"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Operator". Common alternatives include chauffeur, automobilist, driver, motorist, wheelman, codriver, carpooler, actor, bluffer and counterfeiter.

What is the opposite of "Operator"?

Antonyms of "Operator" include ace, adept, authority, crackerjack, expert, maestro, master and past master.

Is "Operator" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Operator" is a noun.

Is "Operator" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Operator" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Operator"?

"Operator" is pronounced /ˈä-pə-ˌrā-tər/ and divided into syllables as op·er·a·tor.

What is the origin of the word "Operator"?

"Operator" comes from borrowed from Late Latin operātor "worker, producer," from operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -tor, agent suffix operate. First known use: 1598.