operate

verb

op·​er·​ate ˈä-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
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
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Goes Melting Pot In sheer size and number, New York offers the biggest slate of holiday market shopping, and the main three options, Union Square Park, Columbus Circle and Bryant Park, are operated by the same folks, combining for over 500 vendors and 100 food choices. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Career in formats Washington is among the most experienced producers currently operating in Australia’s senior ranks, and has worked at some of the top format producers in country. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 The first two fire engines reported difficulty securing a water source because some of the hydrants were not operating. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 Francis gave birth to Williams in 1928, raised her as a single mother and operated a coffee shop in Houston. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for operate 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of operate was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near operate

Cite this Entry

“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operate. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

operate

verb
op·​er·​ate ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt How to pronounce operate (audio)
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 How to pronounce operate (audio)
operated; operating

intransitive verb

: to perform surgery

transitive verb

: to perform surgery on
operated the growth

More from Merriam-Webster on operate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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