Google operators are special keywords used to refine Google searches. Some common operators include AND, OR, +, -, quotation marks, *, ~, related:, define:, filetype:, and site:. Each operator commands Google to search in a specific way, such as only including or excluding certain terms, searching within a phrase, or restricting results to a particular file format or website domain. Proper use of operators can help users pinpoint essential information and narrow down search results on a given topic.