operator
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈɒpəreɪtər/ ussomeone 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 informal
a person who deals with people or problems in a clever way, especially for their own advantage:
He has shown himself to be a clever operator in wage negotiations.
See also
owner-operator
tour operator