operate
Americanverb (used without object)
-
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 followed by on orupon ).
Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people.
-
to perform some process of work or treatment.
-
Surgery. to perform a surgical procedure.
-
(of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
-
Military.
-
to carry on operations in war.
-
to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
-
-
to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, especially speculatively or on a large scale.
-
Informal. to use devious means for one's own gain; insinuate oneself; finagle.
a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.
verb (used with object)
-
to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.).
Do you know how to operate a forklift?
-
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.
verb
-
to function or cause to function
-
(tr) to control the functioning of
operate a machine
-
to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc)
-
(intr) to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal)
-
(intr) to produce a desired or intended effect
-
to treat or process in a particular or specific way
-
(intr) to conduct military or naval operations
-
(intr) to deal in securities on a stock exchange
Other Word Forms
- operatable adjective
- preoperate verb (used without object)
- reoperate verb (used with object)
- unoperatable adjective
- unoperated adjective
- well-operated adjective
Etymology
Origin of operate
First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī, -āre “to work, be efficacious, effect, produce,” Latin: “to busy oneself,” verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus “work”; -ate 1
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.
Reduced personnel expenses allow the school to operate with as few as 1,200 students, he said, and enrollment in this year’s freshman class ticked up.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Plymouth is the National Centre for Marine Autonomy and has a thriving hub of businesses at Turnchapel Wharf developing vessels that operate without a crew.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
What’s Next: Used EVs are more expensive than used gasoline-powered cars, but are cheaper to operate and maintain.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Medicare Advantage is a program under which the federal government pays private health insurers to operate a parallel program to Medicare.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
But maybe he was too tired to operate a computer properly.
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
