1. the chief electrician on a film or television production set
Usage: film/television industry
2. a boss or supervisor, especially of a work crew
Usage: informal; British
3. an old man
Usage: informal; British

Examples

• The gaffer directed the lighting crew to adjust the spotlights for the next scene.
• As the gaffer on set, she was responsible for all electrical equipment and lighting design.
• The construction gaffer assigned tasks to each worker at the start of the day.
• The old gaffer sat on his porch watching the neighborhood children play.
• Our gaffer has been working in film lighting for over twenty years.
• The gaffer called for a lunch break after the morning shoot wrapped up.