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

Commuting has become so popular as of late that it’s common to hear a dispatcher request that listeners “please leave the call if you are not actively commuting.”

From Slate • Jan. 23, 2026

“Help is on the way,” the dispatcher said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

Tonight the dispatcher was reporting a couple of minor fender benders and a local boy who went missing on his bicycle during the electrical storm.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

Related Words

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