Meaning & use

gaffer

noun·Advanced

The chief lighting technician on a film or television production set.

See it in a sentence

The gaffer adjusted the lights before the director called for another take.

She worked her way up from electrician to gaffer over ten years in the industry.

A note on using this word

In British English, "gaffer" is also informal slang for a boss, foreman, or a football team's manager.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

British informal term for a boss, foreman, or team manager, especially in football.

The players were determined to win one more trophy for the gaffer before he retired.

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