SKIP TO CONTENT

invigilator

When you take a big exam like the SAT or the ACT, an invigilator supervises, making sure everyone keeps their eyes on their own papers and letting you know when your allotted time is up.

Another word for an invigilator is a proctor, though it's mostly used in British English. Aspiring law school students who take the LSAT usually have a professional invigilator whose job it is to monitor the testing room and keep an eye on the clock. When you take a math test, your teacher likely plays the role of invigilator, gathering any stray smartphones and patrolling the rows of desks if she hears any whispering. The Latin root invigilare means "watch over."

Definitions of invigilator
  1. noun
    someone who watches examination candidates to prevent cheating
    see moresee less
    type of:
    monitor, proctor
    someone who supervises (an examination)
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘invigilator'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up invigilator for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer