regulator

regulator — noun

1. A piece of equipment that automatically adjusts or keeps a steady level of speed

1.nounB2
Definition

A piece of equipment that automatically adjusts or keeps a steady level of speed, temperature, pressure, or the flow of liquid or gas in a machine or system.

Example

Sivan adjusted the regulator on the gas heater so the room would not overheat.

collocation: adjust a regulator

The clock's speed regulator was worn out, making it run several minutes fast each day.

compound: speed regulator

Common collocations
  • adjust a regulator
  • check a regulator
  • replace a regulator
  • speed regulator
  • pressure regulator
  • temperature regulator
  • flow regulator
  • gas regulator
Synonyms
  • controller

    More general; a controller can be manual or automatic, while a regulator typically implies automatic adjustment toward a set level.

  • thermostat

    A specific type of regulator that controls temperature only; not a general term for all regulators.

  • governor

    A mechanical regulator that controls engine speed; more technical and less common in everyday language.

Usage Note

Often used as part of a compound noun where the first word names what is being controlled: speed regulator, pressure regulator, temperature regulator, flow regulator.

Common Mistakes

I replaced the regulator valve on the boiler.' (when you simply mean the whole device)
I replaced the regulator on the boiler.
A regulator is a complete device; 'regulator valve' is only one type of regulator used in plumbing, not a general term.

2. A person or organization whose job is to check that companies in a particular in

2.nounB2
Definition

A person or organization whose job is to check that companies in a particular industry follow the rules and treat customers fairly.

Example

The energy regulator fined the power company for overcharging customers last winter.

collocation: energy regulator

Japan's financial regulator announced new rules for online banking this morning.

collocation: financial regulator

Common collocations
  • energy regulator
  • financial regulator
  • telecommunications regulator
  • water regulator
  • regulator fined
  • regulator imposed
  • regulator approved
  • independent regulator
Synonyms
  • watchdog

    More informal; a watchdog is typically an independent group that monitors for wrongdoing, not necessarily one with legal enforcement powers.

  • authority

    Broader term; an authority can be any official body with legal power, not limited to industry oversight.

  • oversight body

    More formal; emphasizes the monitoring role rather than the enforcement role.

Usage Note

Can refer either to a government agency or to an individual official within such an agency. In news reports, it most often refers to the organization itself (e.g., 'the energy regulator said...').

Common Mistakes

The regulator arrested the CEO for breaking the rules.
The regulator fined the CEO for breaking the rules.
A regulator can impose fines or suspend licenses but does not make arrests; that is the role of the police.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

A regulator is an official body or person with legal power to enforce rules in a specific industry. Watchdog is more informal and often refers to an independent group that monitors for problems but may lack enforcement authority — for example, a consumer watchdog can publish reports but cannot fine companies. Authority is much broader: it can mean any government body with legal power (e.g., the local housing authority), not one limited to industry oversight. Oversight body is more formal and emphasises the monitoring function rather than the power to punish. Supervisor is a general workplace term for someone who manages workers or tasks and is not tied to legal or industry regulation at all. Example: 'The energy regulator cut the company's prices,' but 'a consumer watchdog published a report on unfair phone bills.'

watchdogauthority ↗oversight bodysupervisor ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • government regulator
  • independent regulator
  • financial regulator
  • energy regulator

Prepositions

  • regulator for [industry]
  • regulator of [sector]

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Comes from the Latin word 'regula' meaning 'a rule' or 'a straight stick'. From there, Latin developed the verb 'regulare' (to direct or control), which passed into late Middle English as 'regulate'. The suffix '-or' means 'a person or thing that does something', so a regulator is literally 'something that regulates'.