operate

verb

op·​er·​ate ˈä-pə-ˌrāt 

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

: bring about, effect

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

Synonyms

• use
• handle
• work

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

Now, with the help of AI, businesses will be better able to fundamentally change how cross-functional teams operate. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

It’s calculated by dividing your net operating income by your total annual principal and interest payments. —Danielle Higley, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025

White and his spouse, Emily Seibert, operate Salty Pelican Boat Tours, offering year-round dolphin-watching and sunset excursions, with each trip an opportunity for Emily to share her expertise of marine life ecosystems. —Ken Perrotte, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

LuxExperience is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and operates in key markets worldwide. —David Moin, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for operate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

operate

verb

op·​er·​ate ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt 

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 

operated; operating

intransitive verb

: to perform surgery

transitive verb

: to perform surgery on

operated the growth