operatorop·e·ra·tor /ˈɒpəreɪtəˈɑːpəreɪtər/ noun [countableC]1JOBSMANUFACTURINGsomeone who works a machine or piece of equipmenta computer operator
This machine requires a skilled operator.
2a person or company that operates a particular businessthe merger of two ferry operators
→ see also owner-operator → tour operator3someone who works on a telephone SWITCHBOARD, who you can call for help when you have problemsI tried calling the operator.