operate

verb

op·​er·​ate ˈä-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
ˈä-ˌprāt
operated; operating

intransitive verb

1
: to perform a function : exert power or influence
factors operating against our success
2
: to produce an appropriate effect
the drug operated quickly
3
a
: to perform an operation or a series of operations
The refinery is planning to begin operating as soon as possible.
b
: to perform surgery
The surgeon has been operating all morning.
c
: to carry on a military or naval action or mission
The army will operate in conjunction with the air force.
4
: to follow a course of conduct that is often irregular
crooked gamblers operating in the club

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to cause to function : work
operate an automobile
b
: to put or keep in operation
operated a grocery store
3
: to perform an operation on
especially : to perform surgery
usually used with on
operate on a patient
operating on a brain tumor

Examples of operate in a Sentence

They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. The camera also operates underwater. The machine can operate at high speeds. instructions for operating the new microwave oven a license to operate a motor vehicle The café is owned and operated by a young couple. The organization operates a recycling program. It's the only casino operating in the state. The company operates from Chicago. a militant group operating against the government
Recent Examples on the Web Some online commentators urged Beijing to retaliate by taking action against US companies operating in China. Laura He, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 Accordingly, the company operates on a starkly different set of assumptions than those envisioned by the International Energy Agency and others who say demand for oil has either already peaked or is close to doing so. Max Bearak, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Key players in the sector include short video platforms operated by Kuaishou, BiliBili and Tencent Holdings, while apps ReelShort, DramaBox, Sereal+, ShortTV, GoodShort and FlexTV are also players in the super-short scene. Faye Bradley, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 The legislation would apply to media companies operating in the U.S. in which China, Russia, Iran or North Korea have at least a 20% stake. Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The law applies to models operating in the EU and any firm that violates the rules risks a fine of up to 7 percent of its annual global profits. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 By 1998, a 33-year-old Dimon was president and chief operating officer of Travelers, an insurance company. Byjasmine Li, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 The executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates the webcam, says she’s always tried to maintain a practical point of view. Amy Hubbard, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 What Rozier does best is put pressure on the rim while also operating in those in-between spaces as an effective non-rim two-point scorer. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious, effect, produce," going back to Latin, "to busy oneself, be at work," probably back-formation from operātus "busy, engaged, occupied with religious observances," from opera "activity, effort" + -ātus -ate entry 3 — more at opera entry 2

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of operate was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near operate

Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

operate

verb
op·​er·​ate ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
operated; operating
1
: to work or cause to work in a proper way
how to operate the new microwave oven
2
: to take effect
a drug that operates quickly
3
: manage sense 1
operate a business
4
a
: to perform an operation or a series of operations
b
: to perform surgery
operate on a patient
Etymology

from Latin operatus, past participle of operari "to work" — related to maneuver see Word History at maneuver

Medical Definition

operate

verb
op·​er·​ate ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
operated; operating

intransitive verb

: to perform surgery

transitive verb

: to perform surgery on
operated the growth

More from Merriam-Webster on operate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!