coordinator

American

[koh-awr-dn-ey-ter] / koʊˈɔr dnˌeɪ tər /

Or co-ordinator

noun

a person or thing that coordinates.
Grammar. a coordinating conjunction.

Etymology

Origin of coordinator

First recorded in 1860–65; coordinate + -or ²

Explanation

A coordinator makes sure things go smoothly: he or she coordinates other people and activities. Football is one area where the word coordinator comes up a lot. The offensive coordinator makes sure the quarterback, running backs, receivers, and offensive line are working together to score points. The defensive coordinator makes sure the linebackers, safeties, defensive backs, and defensive line are working together to stop the other team from scoring. In any kind of business or organization, a coordinator makes sure people (or machines and products) are working together toward their goals. Anything complicated could benefit from a coordinator.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing coordinator

Like A Boss: Words for the Person in Charge

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 3

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Forever, or a Long, Long Time

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lizeth Zarate, a coordinator for the Zocalo -- Mexico City's main square located in front of the presidential palace -- said the Wednesday crowd was around 50,000.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

She said later getting TPS allowed her to become a certified nursing assistant, and she now works as a medical coordinator while owning a nail salon and three real estate properties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Magazine, Lily was a fashion assistant at Elle Magazine and an award-winning lead digital & creative strategist and project coordinator at PRZM.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Aware of growing censorship in Pennsylvania, DeMaria — who is the Hempfield School District’s library media program coordinator and a high school librarian — wanted to get ahead of the trend.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

I was elected president, Abie Gonzales, vice president, Charlotte Woodward, secretary, and Marjorie Ito, coordinator of social events.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023