gaffer

UK: /ˈgæfə^r/ US: /ˈgæfɚ/ ,(gaf′ər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

gaf•fer /ˈgæfɚ/   n. [countable]

1. Cinema, Show Business the chief electrician on a motion-picture or television production.
2. Informal Terms an old man.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

gaf•fer  (gaf′ər), n. 

1. Cinema, Show Business the chief electrician on a motion-picture or television production.
2. Informal Terms an old man.
3. British Terms a foreman or overseer, esp. the boss of a group of physical laborers.
4. Ceramics [Glassmaking.] a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.

• contraction of godfather 1565–75

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

gaffer / ˈɡæfə/ noun

1. an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizingly
   Compare gammer
2. a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
3. the senior electrician on a television or film set

Etymology: 16th Century: alteration of godfather