1
: ready for use : capable of being used
The factory must pass inspection before it becomes operative.
The telephone system is now fully operative.
2
: most important
If I go, I will bring a salad. "If," however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go.
plural operatives
1
chiefly US
: a person who does secret work for a government or political organization
political operatives [=spies]
CIA/FBI operatives [=agents]
2
: a person who does work that involves using tools, operating machinery, etc.
factory operatives
a skilled operative
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/operative. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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