function

1 of 2

noun

func·​tion ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce function (audio)
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
also : result
illnesses that are a function of stress
6
: characteristic behavior of a chemical compound due to a particular reactive unit
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
functionless adjective

function

2 of 2

verb

functioned; functioning ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce function (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to have a function : serve
an attributive noun functions as an adjective
2
: to carry on a function or be in action : operate
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

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

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

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

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 Web
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

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys

First Known Use

Noun

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of function was in 1533

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.

Kids Definition

function

1 of 2 noun
func·​tion ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce function (audio)
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
functionless adjective

function

2 of 2 verb
functioned; functioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce function (audio)
: to serve a certain purpose : work

Medical Definition

function

1 of 2 noun
func·​tion ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce function (audio)
: 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
functionless adjective

function

2 of 2 intransitive verb
functioned; functioning -sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce function (audio)
: to have a function
shivering functions to maintain the heat of the body

More from Merriam-Webster on function

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!