projectionist

American  

[pruh-jek-shuh-nist] / prəˈdʒɛk ʃə nɪst /

noun

1. an operator of a motion-picture or slide projector.

2. a person who makes projections, especially a cartographer.

---

projectionist British  

/ prəˈdʒɛkʃənɪst /

noun

1. a person responsible for the operation of film projection machines

---

Etymology

Origin of projectionist

First recorded in 1920–25; projection + -ist

Example Sentences

Jerry and Bonnie had grown up in Hebron going to the Mayer every week, and Jerry had even worked there as a projectionist when he was in high school.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

Jason Beauchamp-Hughes, the general manager, has been told Cyril was a projectionist and army volunteer, whose wife was an usherette.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

I’ve had some success and I’m going to direct a film I wrote based on my experience as a projectionist and my love of Marcello Mastroianni.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

I’m practiced at the art of dying things, but I’m a resurrectionist too, being a projectionist and writing poetry.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Then the projectionist got the film threaded, and the show started.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck