function

1 of 2

noun

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

also : result

illnesses that are a function of stress

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

functionless

ˈfəŋ(k)-shən-ləs 

adjective

function

2 of 2

verb

functioned; functioning ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• event
• party
• reception
• bash
• celebration

Verb

• serve
• act
• work

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

This move reflects a broader trend of extricating the marketing function from the C-suite, as seen with Starbucks and Etsy, who also did away with their CMO positions. —Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Perhaps trade deadline acquisitions push role players into more specific functions. —Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Verb

This ultra-strong, rechargeable travel fan also functions as a power bank and a flashlight, and has earned the T+L title of Best Pocket-size Portable Fan for Travel thanks to its super compact design. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025

In May, a 66-year-old Texas man was killed when a swarm of bees stung him enough times to cause his circulatory system to stop functioning properly. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing function

• a function of
• Bessel function
• circular function
• composite function
• cumulative distribution function
• density function
• discriminant function
• distribution function
• executive function
• exponential function
• function key
• function word
• hyperbolic function
• inverse function
• linear function
• logarithmic function
• power function
• probability density function
• probability function
• propositional function
• rational function
• sentential function
• step function
• trigonometric function

Rhymes for function

• junction
• unction
• adjunction
• compunction
• conjunction
• disjunction
• dysfunction
• injunction
• inunction
• malfunction
• eigenfunction
• multifunction

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

functionless

-ləs 

adjective

function

2 of 2 verb

functioned; functioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to serve a certain purpose : work

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

functionless

-ləs 

adjective

function

2 of 2 intransitive verb

functioned; functioning -sh(ə-)niŋ 

: to have a function

shivering functions to maintain the heat of the body