dispatcher

American  

[dih-spach-er] / dɪˈspætʃ ər /

noun

1. a person who dispatches.

2. a person who oversees the departure of trains, airplanes, buses, etc., as for a transportation company or railroad.

3. Slang. dispatchers, a fraudulently made pair of dice; loaded dice.

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Other Word Forms

• predispatcher noun

Etymology

Origin of dispatcher

First recorded in 1540–50; dispatch + -er ¹

Explanation

A dispatcher is someone whose work involves receiving messages and organizing the movement of ambulances and other vehicles. Being a dispatcher requires excellent communication skills in a high-pressure environment. An emergency dispatcher's work day might include getting phone calls from people who need medical assistance or the help of firefighters. A taxi dispatcher, on the other hand, communicates with each cab driver about where to pick up passengers who've called for rides. To dispatch is to send something off quickly, and for most dispatchers, their job is dispatching vehicles.

Example Sentences

“My father has been illegally detained,” he told the dispatcher nervously, stumbling over his words.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Actor Motaz Malhees, who stars in the film as Red Crescent dispatcher Omar, confirmed Thursday that he will be absent from the festivities because of President Trump’s travel ban against Palestinians.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Alfred told investigators he continued to order Barber to show his hands and reported what was happening back to a police dispatcher, prompting more officers to respond.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Another volunteer fulfilling the role of dispatcher, also on the call, identifies them by make and model.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

The dispatcher picked up at 6:48:45 a.m., according to the official recording.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• courier
• emissary
• go-between
• mediator
• prophet