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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Not just from the multilingual customer support team – available 24/7 through the live chat function – but with the FAQ help section and Jackpot City’s blog as well. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Property owners were unable to access their TAD accounts, the website timed out and the protest function was missing for weeks, forcing the district to extend deadline for protests. Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 The sunrise alarm function works just like other clocks on this list to gradually increase in brightness over time. Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024 The intensive care unit has IV stations, oxygen and other medical equipment for animals, and has access to a backup electricity generator to preserve the function in case of a power outage. Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 But there is a silver lining to the DEI function’s constriction: The cream has risen to the top. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 As with other species, the scientists reprogrammed the elephant cells by exposing them to a series of different chemicals and then adding proteins called transcription factors that turn on particular genes to change how the cells functions. Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 The Husqvarna has an air purge function that removes air from the carburetor and fuel system, reducing resistance in the starter cord by up to 40%. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024 Some 44% of logistics and inventory functions reported the use of management software, while 30% rely on spreadsheets. Angelica Mari, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Verb
In the absence of a functioning state, violent armed gangs have taken control of more than 80 percent of the capital, the United Nations estimates. Maham Javaid, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Some of these also function as restaurants, like Trabocco San Giacomo, which makes for an immersive, magical meal suspended above the sea. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 Most Americans get enough protein for their bodies to function already. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 The pastel shade could easily function as a neutral to blend into almost any outfit. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024 Since January, Iowa Democrats have been returning their preference cards, which function as ballots. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 While some of these organs may have functioned poorly, evidence has been mounting that a majority of them would have performed well for years. Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 2 Mar. 2024 Children place a heavy demand on all the resources a person needs to function—including health, sleep, time and finances. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 More news to know now The last functioning hospital in northern Gaza has shut down. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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