1. An individual who controls or has influence on others in a clever or even in an insincere way: On TV dramas, one of the leading characters is usually a manipulator who misuses the feelings of others for his or her own advantages.
2. Someone who uses his or her hands in a skillful manner or operates a machine in a professional way: The manipulator of the new sewing machine produced exquisite clothes, all of which were ordered by wealthy women.