operator

Universal Words noun 1 (often in compounds) a person who operates equipment or a machine: a computer / machine operator 2 (BrE also telephonist) a person who works on the telephone SWITCHBOARD of a large company or organization, especially at a TELEPHONEEXCHANGE: Dial 100 and ask for the operator. 3 (often in compounds) a person or company that runs a particular business: a tour operator * a bus / ferry operator 4 (informal, especially disapproving) a person who is skilful at getting what they want, especially when this involves behaving in a dishonest way: a smooth / slick / shrewd operator