enumerator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 (Low frequency, specialized term)Formal, technical, administrative. Most common in official, academic, or computing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “enumerator” mean?
A person or system that counts or lists items systematically, often for official purposes like a census.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or system that counts or lists items systematically, often for official purposes like a census.
Can refer to a function in computer programming that yields a sequence of values one at a time. Also used metaphorically for anyone who methodically counts or categorizes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British administrative/official contexts (e.g., 'census enumerator'). In computing, both regions use the term equivalently.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants. Carries connotations of meticulousness, official duty, and systematic procedure.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within specific fields like demography, statistics, and computer science in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “enumerator” in a Sentence
Enumerator of [census/data/survey]Enumerator for [the government/a project/the census]Enumerator in [a district/a region/the field]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enumerator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software is designed to enumerate the files in the directory efficiently.
American English
- The algorithm will enumerate all possible combinations before selecting one.
adverb
British English
- [No direct adverbial form. Use 'in an enumerative manner' or 'systematically'.]
American English
- [No direct adverbial form. Use 'sequentially' or 'one by one'.]
adjective
British English
- [No direct adjectival form. Use 'enumerative' as in 'enumerative studies' or 'the enumerative process'.]
American English
- [No direct adjectival form. Use 'enumerative' as in 'enumerative logic' or 'enumerative methodology'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in market research contexts ('enumerators were hired to survey consumer habits').
Academic
Common in sociology, demography, statistics, and computing ('The enumerator visited every household in the sample').
Everyday
Very rare. A typical speaker might say 'census worker' instead.
Technical
Standard in computing/programming ('The iterator pattern uses an enumerator object to traverse a collection').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enumerator”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enumerator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enumerator”
- Using 'enumerator' to mean a simple calculator or a machine. Confusing it with 'counter' as in a shop counter. Incorrect: 'The enumerator on my dashboard shows speed.' (Correct: 'The speedometer...')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An enumerator is a person or system that lists/counts items, focusing on sequence and identification. A calculator is a device or person that performs mathematical computations.
It is a specific, temporary job title often used for census and large survey work. It is not a common permanent profession.
Yes, especially in computing and engineering. For example, a barcode scanner can act as an enumerator of products.
The related verb is 'enumerate', meaning to mention items one by one or to establish the number of.
A person or system that counts or lists items systematically, often for official purposes like a census.
Enumerator is usually formal, technical, administrative. most common in official, academic, or computing contexts. in register.
Enumerator: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈnjuː.mə.reɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈnuː.mə.reɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word is used literally.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ENUMERATOR as "NUMBER-ator" — someone or something that numbers things.
Conceptual Metaphor
A METICULOUS ACCOUNTANT OF THINGS. An enumerator is conceptualized as a systematic agent moving through a set, assigning order and number.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'enumerator' LEAST likely to be used?