to function or cause to function - (transitive)
to control the functioning of to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc) - (intransitive)
to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal) - (intransitive)
to produce a desired or intended effect - (transitive) usually followed by on:
to treat or process in a particular or specific way - (intransitive)
to conduct military or naval operations - (intransitive)
to deal in securities on a stock exchange
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
op•er•ate /ˈɑpəˌreɪt/USA pronunciation
v., -at•ed, -at•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- to work;
function:[no object]This coffee machine is not operating properly. - to manage or use:[~ + object]could operate farm machinery.
- to carry on business:[no object]The company operates in southern California.
- to put or keep in operation:[~ + object]operated a factory in the midwest.
- Surgeryto perform a medical procedure in which the body is cut open and a part is removed or adjusted: [no object]The surgeon is ready to operate.[~ + on + object]The surgeon operated on several patients.
- Informal Termsto put oneself into a position of favor, advantage, etc., in a cunning way:[no object]really knows how to operate in the halls of government.
op•er•at•ing
(op′ə rā′ting),USA pronunciation adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- Communicationsused or engaged in performing operations:an operating surgeon.
- of, for, or pertaining to operations:an operating budget.
- of or pertaining to the proper operation of a machine, appliance, etc.:a manual of operating instructions.
- Communications, Rail Transport[Railroads.]of, pertaining, or belonging to railroad workers, as engineers or firemen, who are directly engaged in the mechanical operation of trains:an operating union.
- operate + -ing1 1800–10
op•er•ate
(op′ə rāt′),USA pronunciation v., -at•ed, -at•ing.
v.i.
v.t.
op′er•at′a•ble, adj.
v.i.
- to work, perform, or function, as a machine does:This engine does not operate properly.
- to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.
- to act effectively;
produce an effect;
exert force or influence (often fol. by on or upon):Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people. - to perform some process of work or treatment.
- Surgeryto perform a surgical procedure.
- Drugs(of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
- Military
- to carry on operations in war.
- Militaryto give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
- to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, esp. speculatively or on a large scale.
- Informal Termsto use devious means for one's own gain;
insinuate oneself;
finagle:a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.
v.t.
- to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.):to operate a switchboard.
- to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation:to operate a coal mine.
- to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.
- Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī, -āre to work, be efficacious, effect, produce, Latin: to busy oneself, verb, verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus work; see -ate1
- 1600–10
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