func·tion
ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 
1
: professional or official position : occupation
His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
2
: the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : purpose
3
: any of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action
especially
: the normal and specific contribution of a bodily part to the economy of a living organism
The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
4
: an official or formal ceremony or social gathering
They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.
5
a
: a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set
b
: a variable (such as a quality, trait, or measurement) that depends on and varies with another
height is a function of age
6
: characteristic behavior of a chemical compound due to a particular reactive unit
also
: functional group
7
: a computer subroutine
specifically
: one that performs a calculation with variables (see variable entry 2 sense 1a) provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
functioned; functioning
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for function
function, office, duty, province mean the acts or operations expected of a person or thing.
function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work.
the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information
—
Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley
office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.
they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor
—W. E. Gladstone
W. E. Gladstone
duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.
it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case
—R. B. Taney
R. B. Taney
province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.
I felt it was not my province to inquire
—Anne Brontë
Anne Brontë
Examples of function in a Sentence
Noun
The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
He believes that the true function of art is to tell the truth.
What functions do these programs fulfill?
infants learning to control their bodily functions
The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function.
The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function.
His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
Her chief function is to provide expert legal advice.
They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.
Verb
The new machine functions well.
His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks.
Her heart now seems to be functioning normally.
The computer network is not yet fully functioning.
See More
Recent Examples on the WebAlexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
According to the Colorado Republican, the necessity of passing a continuing resolution to temporarily fund certain government functions while appropriations are sorted out — something several conservative Republican representatives are vehemently opposed to — is the first issue McCarthy will face.
—Julia Johnson, Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2023
Additionally, it’s powered by the caliber 4132 movement, which allows the chronograph function to count to 24 hours instead of just 12.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2023
Toyota Century features The 2023 Toyota Century was marketed with reclining rear seats with massage functions and curtains for the windows, according to Toyota.
—USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023
Today, scientific research confirms that many of the compounds found in these mushrooms can support energy, brain health, digestion, immune function, recovery and longevity.
—Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2023
Steam Steam functions help dryers reduce wrinkles in clothing, sanitize hard-to-clean items like decorative pillows, and even tackle odors.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023
Lifting weights can keep you fit and improve everything from bone health to cognitive function.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 7 Sep. 2023
The 7-cup processor uses low and high speeds, but also a pulse function for crushing nuts or blending dough.
—Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2023
Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023
Currently, Don Chepo works about four hours a day with his boxers, managing their sparring schedule and functioning more as an advisor.
—Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
The stitched designs and symbols once functioned almost as an identification card.
—Raja Abdulrahim, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2023
Please double-check your state’s rules and regulations before getting yourself through an intermittently functioning light.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2023
Despite these mechanisms – and the body’s need for a stable temperature to function properly – the level still varies within a certain range based on exercise and the time of the day.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
But Kip Washio, a designer for Yamaha, led a team that conceived the custom pieces to be able to function like an orchestra — which musicians will prove at the Saturday festival.
—Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023
All mechanical and electronic components still functioned as designed -- ready for deployment in the most extreme environments found anywhere on planet Earth, if necessary.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
The laundry room can even function as a small home office by adding a desk, and LED lights under cabinets can brighten up the space, says Jacobson.
—Leslie J. Thompson, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
Noun
This time, a notice replaced the messaging function.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
According to the Colorado Republican, the necessity of passing a continuing resolution to temporarily fund certain government functions while appropriations are sorted out — something several conservative Republican representatives are vehemently opposed to — is the first issue McCarthy will face.
—Julia Johnson, Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2023
Additionally, it’s powered by the caliber 4132 movement, which allows the chronograph function to count to 24 hours instead of just 12.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2023
Toyota Century features The 2023 Toyota Century was marketed with reclining rear seats with massage functions and curtains for the windows, according to Toyota.
—USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023
Today, scientific research confirms that many of the compounds found in these mushrooms can support energy, brain health, digestion, immune function, recovery and longevity.
—Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2023
Steam Steam functions help dryers reduce wrinkles in clothing, sanitize hard-to-clean items like decorative pillows, and even tackle odors.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023
Lifting weights can keep you fit and improve everything from bone health to cognitive function.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 7 Sep. 2023
The 7-cup processor uses low and high speeds, but also a pulse function for crushing nuts or blending dough.
—Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2023
Verb
The space previously functioned as a children’s library at the Met.
—Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023
Currently, Don Chepo works about four hours a day with his boxers, managing their sparring schedule and functioning more as an advisor.
—Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
The stitched designs and symbols once functioned almost as an identification card.
—Raja Abdulrahim, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2023
Please double-check your state’s rules and regulations before getting yourself through an intermittently functioning light.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2023
Despite these mechanisms – and the body’s need for a stable temperature to function properly – the level still varies within a certain range based on exercise and the time of the day.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
But Kip Washio, a designer for Yamaha, led a team that conceived the custom pieces to be able to function like an orchestra — which musicians will prove at the Saturday festival.
—Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023
All mechanical and electronic components still functioned as designed -- ready for deployment in the most extreme environments found anywhere on planet Earth, if necessary.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
The laundry room can even function as a small home office by adding a desk, and LED lights under cabinets can brighten up the space, says Jacobson.
—Leslie J. Thompson, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'function.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing function
Dictionary Entries Near function
Cite this Entry
“Function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/function. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
function
1 of 2 noun
func·tion
ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
1
: professional job or duties : occupation
2
a
: the particular purpose for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists
the function of a knife is cutting
b
: the natural or proper action of a bodily part in a living thing
the function of the heart
3
: a large important ceremony or social affair
4
a
: a mathematical relationship that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set
b
: something (as a quality, trait, or measurement) that is determined by or based on something else
height is a function of age in children
Medical Definition
function
1 of 2 noun
func·tion
ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
: any of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action
especially
: the normal and specific contribution of a bodily part to the economy of a living organism see vital function
function
2 of 2 intransitive verb
functioned; functioning
-sh(ə-)niŋ
: to have a function
shivering functions to maintain the heat of the body
More from Merriam-Webster on function
Nglish: Translation of function for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of function for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about function
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