# Is there an english word for this (operator of moving machinery)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-english-word-for-this-operator-of-moving-machinery/326212>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [October 14, 2005, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-english-word-for-this-operator-of-moving-machinery/326212 "2005-10-14T13:05:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-english-word-for-this-operator-of-moving-machinery/326212/1 "2005-10-14T13:05:44Z")

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Mundane, check. Pointless, check.

I’m writing something now in which I need a work that encompasses the operator of any moving machinery. ie: a term that encompasses drivers and pilots and sailors and bicycle riders etc. I asked a couple of friends and nobody could come up with a term for this. Does it exist in the english language?

Incidentally, does any other language have a word for this?

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**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2005, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-english-word-for-this-operator-of-moving-machinery/326212/2 "2005-10-14T13:37:04Z")

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I believe what you’re looking for is “operator.” I realize you already knew that word, but I don’t think there is a more specific one.