This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
gaffer
[ gaf-er ]
/ ˈgæf ər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the chief electrician on the set of a movie or television show.
Informal. an old man.
British Informal.
- a boss, supervisor, or manager.
- a foreman or overseer in charge of a group of physical laborers: a factory gaffer.
- the coach or manager of a sports team.
Glassmaking. a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.
QUIZ
FIRE UP YOUR VOCAB FOR A "RED" SYNONYMS QUIZ
No fire engine reds here, only a fierce collection of vibrant words for the color red to test yourself on.
Question 1 of 7
What does "amaranth" mean?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of gaffer
First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of godfather
Words nearby gaffer
Gaelic football, Gaeltacht, Gaeta, gaff, gaffe, gaffer, gaffer tape, gaffle, Gaffney, gaff rig, gaff-rigged
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use gaffer in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for gaffer
gaffer
/ (ˈɡæfə) /
noun
an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizinglyCompare gammer
informal, mainly British a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
the senior electrician on a television or film set
Word Origin for gaffer
C16: alteration of godfather
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012