operate
verb
op·er·ate
ˈä-pə-ˌrāt 
ˈä-ˌprāt
operated; operating
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
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
Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so hours vary by location.
—
Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Unlike traditional finance, DeFi operates without intermediaries, reducing costs.
—Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
State officials haven’t set any mandatory water restrictions, but much of the state is operating under a drought watch or warning, and Oakland in Garrett County has instituted restrictions due to dangerously low levels in the lake that provides its water supply.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024
But since many retail companies now operate in the black at various times of the year, this interpretation should be taken with a grain of salt, experts say.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for operate 
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Dictionary Entries Near operate
Cite this Entry
“Operate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operate. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
operate
verb
op·er·ate
ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt
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
Medical Definition
operate
verb
op·er·ate
ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt
operated; operating
: to perform surgery
: to perform surgery on
operated the growth
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