telephonist

[ tuh-lef-uh-nist, tel-uh-foh- ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a telephone switchboard operator.

telephonist

/ tɪˈlɛfənɪst /

noun

1. a person who operates a telephone switchboard Also called (esp US)telephone operator

Word History and Origins

Origin of telephonist¹

First recorded in 1875–80; telephone + -ist

Example Sentences

The doctor toddled off, and I got the telephonist to ring through to the colonel.

From Project Gutenberg

His command consisted of five riflemen, a telephonist, a linesman, and two stretcher-bearers.

From Project Gutenberg

In registering guns you take a telephonist and linesmen with you.

From Project Gutenberg

"Plus 3," announced the telephonist, repeating an order from the distant Captain.

From Project Gutenberg

"Plus 4," sang out the telephonist, and there was a mechanical repetition of operations.

From Project Gutenberg