surveyor

[ ser-vey-er ]

noun

1. a person whose occupation is surveying. surveying.
2. an overseer or supervisor.
3. Chiefly British. a person who inspects something officially for the purpose of ascertaining condition, value, etc.
4. (formerly) a U.S. customs official responsible for ascertaining the quantity and value of imported merchandise.
5. (initial capital letter) U.S. Aerospace. one of a series of space probes (1966–68) that analyzed lunar soil and obtained other scientific information after soft-landing on the moon.

surveyor

/ sɜːˈveɪə /

noun

1. a person whose occupation is to survey land or buildings See also quantity surveyor
2. a person concerned with the official inspection of something for purposes of measurement and valuation
3. a person who carries out surveys, esp of ships ( marine surveyor ) to determine seaworthiness, etc
4. a customs official
5. archaic.
   a supervisor

Derived Forms

• surˈveyorˌship, noun

Other Words From

• sur·veyor·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveyor¹

1375–1425; late Middle English surveio ( u ) r < Anglo-French surveiour; Middle French surve ( i ) our, equivalent to surve ( i )- ( survey ) + -our -or ²

Example Sentences

His father, an American soldier, later became a road surveyor, and his British mother worked as a bank teller.

From Washington Post

At the same time, consumers tell data collectors and surveyors that, if they’re going to see ads, they want them to be relevant and targeted toward what they actually want.

From Search Engine Land

One of the key ways the program promises to make participation less expensive is by eliminating the need for surveyors to come out and conduct detailed assessments of every project site.

From MIT Technology Review

In early March, the agency said it would prioritize infection-control inspections, deploying surveyors, most at state health agencies, on unannounced visits to homes across the country.

From Washington Post

“As a surveyor, you would no longer be the police, you’re the parent,” Owens said.

From Voice of San Diego

John Randel Jr., the surveyor chosen for the job, was all of 20 years old.

From The Daily Beast

Friend Oliver was in no wise disturbed by the indignant statement of the Chesters to the surveyor.

From Project Gutenberg

Owing to the surveyor receiving increased powers the work of conscientious objectors on the roads in East Essex has improved.

From Project Gutenberg

Champlain related how, in company with a Canadian government surveyor, he had climbed the mountain which had received his name.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a nominal surveyor to each parish—a surveyor who knows nothing about rates.

From Project Gutenberg

He had employed a surveyor, Mr. Scully, to draw plans and take photographs showing the amount of the damage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assessor
• cartographer