What does relocator mean?
A relocator is something that enables another thing to be moved to a different place. Its commonest use is technical: it may refer to software, code, or a utility that transfers files, programs, or data from one location or computer system to another while preserving the information needed for continued operation. Less commonly, the word can denote a person or service that helps another person relocate, especially as part of an employment arrangement. The term is more precise than a general word such as mover because it often implies purposeful movement, adaptation, or the preservation of working relationships. Relocators are therefore associated with data migration, program installation, moving equipment, and employee relocation. Although the word is readily understood when the context is specified, it is not a common everyday synonym for mover and is best reserved for technical or professional language.
A device, program, or component that enables files, programs, data, or other resources to be moved to a different location.
"The relocator automatically updated the links after moving the archive."
Chiefly a computing term; it may refer to software, code, or a physical component.
A person or organization that arranges or assists with another person's move to a new place.
"The relocator coordinated the employee's flight, housing, and shipping arrangements."
Usually encountered in employment, relocation-service, or housing contexts.
The plural is used when referring to multiple relocating devices, programs, people, or services.
"The company selected external relocators to manage employees' moves."
In computing, a relocator does more than move files: it preserves the connections that make those files work in their new home.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relocator come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from relocate plus the suffix -or, meaning a person or thing that performs an action. Relocate was itself created from Latin re-, meaning again or back, and locare, meaning to place or locate. Its relatives include locate, location, locator, and dislocate, all of which ultimately involve placing or determining the position of something.
Related word forms
How relocator is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon in general use. It is most common in computing and technical contexts, while the organizational sense usually occurs in employment, housing, or relocation services. In computing, it may describe software, a component, or the code responsible for adjusting references after data has been moved.
Easily confused with relocator
A relocator is the person, program, or device that performs a move, whereas relocation is the act of moving or the process of being moved.
A relocator moves existing data or objects to another location, while an allocator assigns or distributes resources.