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spotter

spotter

1 5.5
A worker who marks items so people can find or track them
  • noun
  • /ˈspɑːtər/
translation icon : etiquetador
  • The spotters in each truck issue a code word on their radios when they are in final position.

Examples

  • At the construction site, a spotter signaled workers using flags to indicate safe zones for equipment placement.

  • As soon as we get the light on the subject the target will be indicated by ground spotters.

    Wavelength (1983)

  • Yes, that's right, I was once the car spotter guy.

  • At drop-off collection sites, brush attendants act as spotters to preinspect vegetation before removal and transfer to the grinding site.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The spotter carefully marked each item with a bright sticker for better tracking during inventory.

  • During the training exercise, the spotter guided the team by applying colored flags to specify the course.

Synonyms

designator
vsspotter
  • Specialized
1 7.8

A person or tool that marks a target with a laser

applies physical markers directly for tracking or identification
flagger
vsspotter
  • US
5.6

A person who places small flags to mark boundaries or work locations

applies markers more widely for tracking or general identification
brander
vsspotter
8.7

A person or tool that uses a hot iron to mark animals to show who owns them

applies temporary markers across objects for tracking and identification

Surface Forms

spotter singular
spotters plural

Morphology

spotter = spot (transparent) = spot + er

This is a regular agent noun formation from spot + -er, and the meaning is straightforwardly 'one who spots or marks'.

Etymology

Spotter comes from spot, meaning 'a mark' or 'a place', and -er, meaning 'one who does'. So a spotter who marks items is the person who puts the marks or tags on objects for tracking or identification.