facilitator

noun

fa·​cil·​i·​ta·​tor fə-ˈsi-lə-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce facilitator (audio)
: someone or something that facilitates something
especially : someone who helps to bring about an outcome (such as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision
the workshop's facilitator kept discussion flowing smoothly

Examples of facilitator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brod, meanwhile, makes sure her team act as facilitators helps get attendees out of their silos and start cross-mingling. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 That question is from Michael Head, a facilitator and playwright, and I was so struck by it. — Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Research has documented multiple barriers to physical activity for autistic children and young people, while also identifying knowledgeable coaches, appropriate support and inclusive programs as important facilitators of participation. — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 County Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau and am a classroom facilitator for the program Love Speaks Out. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for facilitator

Word History

Etymology

facilitate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of facilitator was in 1775

Rhymes for facilitator

See All Rhymes for facilitator

Browse Nearby Words

facilitative
facilitator
facilitatory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Facilitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facilitator. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All