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Telephonist: meaning, definitions and examples

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telephonist

 

[ tɪˈlɛfənɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

job position

A telephonist is a person who operates a telephone switchboard, helping to connect calls to the appropriate recipients.

Synonyms

switchboard operator, telephone operator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
telephonist

Generally used in British English to describe someone who works with telephones, connecting calls and providing assistance. This term is rather old-fashioned.

  • The hospital employed a telephonist to handle all incoming calls.
  • Her first job was as a telephonist before she moved into administration.
telephone operator

Refers to someone who assists in connecting phone calls and providing customer service over the phone. This term is fairly universal and still in use.

  • The telephone operator helped me place an international call.
  • If you need assistance, please speak to a telephone operator.
switchboard operator

Used to describe a person who manages a telephone switchboard, often transferring calls between different lines. Commonly found in organizations with many departments.

  • Before the digital age, switchboard operators played a crucial role in offices.
  • The switchboard operator will connect your call to the right department.

Examples of usage

  • The telephonist at the hotel directed my call to the front desk.
  • I used to work as a telephonist at a busy office.

Translations

Translations of the word "telephonist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telefonista

🇮🇳 टेलीफोन ऑपरेटर

🇩🇪 Telefonist

🇮🇩 operator telepon

🇺🇦 телефоніст

🇵🇱 telefonista

🇯🇵 電話交換手 (denwa koukanshu)

🇫🇷 téléphoniste

🇪🇸 telefonista

🇹🇷 telefon operatörü

🇰🇷 전화 교환원 (jeonhwa gyohwan-won)

🇸🇦 عامل الهاتف

🇨🇿 telefonista

🇸🇰 telefonista

🇨🇳 电话接线员 (diànhuà jiēxiànyuán)

🇸🇮 telefonist

🇮🇸 símaþjónn

🇰🇿 телефонист

🇬🇪 ტელეფონისტი (teleponisti)

🇦🇿 telefonçu

🇲🇽 telefonista

Etymology

The term 'telephonist' originated in the late 19th century as telephones became more common in households and businesses. It was initially used to describe the person responsible for operating manual telephone switchboards. With advancements in technology, the role of telephonists has evolved, but the term continues to be used in some contexts to refer to individuals who handle telephone calls.

See also: phone, phoneme, phonemic, phoner, phonetics, phoney, phonically, smartphone, telephone.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,282, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.