We propose MetaNOR, a meta-learnt approach for transfer-learning operators based on the nonlocal operator regression. The overall goal is to efficiently provide surrogate models for new and unknown material-learning tasks with different microstructures. The algorithm consists of two phases: (1) learning a common nonlocal kernel representation from existing tasks; (2) transferring the learned knowledge and rapidly learning surrogate operators for unseen tasks with a different material, where only a few test samples are required. We apply MetaNOR to model the wave propagation within 1D metamaterials, showing substantial improvements on the sampling efficiency for new materials.