Operate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Operate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary operate 1 ENTRIES FOUND: operate (verb) operate /ˈɑːpəˌreɪt/ verb operates; operated; operating operate /ˈɑːpəˌreɪt/ verb operates; operated; operating Britannica Dictionary definition of OPERATE 1  [no object] : to function or behave in a proper or particular way They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. The camera also operates underwater. The machine can operate at high speeds. We need someone who operates [=performs] well under pressure. The drug operates [=(more commonly) works] quickly. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  [+ object] : to use and control (something) instructions for operating the new microwave oven a license to operate a motor vehicle operate machinery [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — sometimes used in combination a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use] voice-operated computer systems [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3  a  [+ object] : to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.) operating [=managing, running] a business The café is owned and operated by a young couple. The organization operates a recycling program. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b  [no object] : to function as a business, group, etc. It's the only casino operating in the state. The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years. The company operates from Chicago. soldiers operating overseas a militant group operating against the government [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  [no object] medical : to perform surgery The doctors needed to operate immediately. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — often + on operate on a tumor/patient [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What types of nouns are always capitalised? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY passive : used to describe someone who does not fight what other people do or decide Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.