operator

Word parts

operate + -or

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɒpəreɪtə/, SAMPA: /"Qp@reIt@/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈɑːpəreɪtɚ/, SAMPA: /"A:p@reIt@`/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: op‧er‧ator

Noun

Singular operator

Plural operators

1. (countable) An operator is a person who operates something.

   Jo is the operator of the tractor.

2. (countable) An operator is a person who works on making connections for people over the telephone.

   The operator was struggling to keep the line connected.

3. (countable) (mathematics) An operator is a symbol that is used to perform a specific operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division) in maths.