operate
verb (used without object)
to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.
had operated
-
past perfectof operate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead, he asserted that because the statute said only that a person could refuse to operate a vehicle and Maddin had operated the vehicle, he wasn’t protected.
From Slate ● May 13, 2026
The lawsuit comes a week after a federal jury in Manhattan found that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had operated a monopoly over major concert venues, controlling 86% of the concert market.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Earlier, Emirates airline said it had carried about 30,000 passengers out of Dubai on Thursday and had operated 35 flights to the UK since resuming services.
From BBC ● Mar. 8, 2026
Spurs, in turn, were employing a head coach who had operated away from the sort of harsh spotlight and high expectations that awaited him in his new job.
From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2026
Unregulated by the government, it had operated without rules or oversight, almost as its own country, and it had done as it pleased.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
