Search Dictionary
Definition of invigilator

invigilator

/ɪnˈvɪdʒɪleɪtər/
in · vig · i · la · tor
Plural:invigilators
•
Adjective:invigilatory
JUMP TO:

invigilator Lexical Profile

invigilator Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A person appointed to watch over and supervise students taking an examination to ensure that rules are followed and no cheating occurs.

Example

"The invigilator walked quietly down the aisles of the examination hall while the students wrote their essays."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for invigilator
Antonyms
View all antonyms for invigilator

Word Nuance & Usage

"Invigilator" is the standard term in British, Canadian, and Commonwealth English for someone who supervises an examination; in American English, "proctor" is used instead.

• Nearby Words

investment
investor
invigilate
invigilator
invigorate
invigorating
invigoratingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Late Latin invigilator ('watcher'), from the verb invigilare ('to watch over or stay awake'), combining in- ('upon') and vigilare ('to watch').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Invigilator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/invigilator
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.