operation
op-uh-RAY-shuhn
Operation (noun) means the way something works, or the act of making it work. Example: “Regular cleaning helps with the smooth operation of the coffee machine.”
noun
1
The way something works, or the act of making it work.
"Regular cleaning helps with the smooth operation of the coffee machine."
"The manual explains the safe operation of the saw."
"The operation of the new machine is simpler than expected."
2
A planned activity or task, especially one carried out by a business, military, or organization.
"The charity ran a large food distribution operation across the region."
"The rescue operation lasted through the night."
"Police launched a major operation against the smuggling ring."
3
A surgical procedure.
"He needs an operation on his knee next month."
"The surgeon said the operation went well and she would recover quickly."
"She had an operation to remove her appendix."
4
A mathematical procedure that produces a value from one or more inputs, such as addition.
"Division is the opposite operation to multiplication."
"The calculator can perform each operation in a fraction of a second."
"Multiplication is a basic arithmetic operation."
How to use operation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA task, procedure, or process being carried out, whether it's a business plan, a military mission, a surgery, or a math step.
Common pairings
military operation
surgical operation
in operation
business operations
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Word forms
- Plural
- operations
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Regular cleaning helps with the smooth _____ of the coffee machine.
Etymology
From Latin operatio, "a working," from the verb operari — the same root as "operate."
Synonyms
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functioning
working
running
performance
action
use
process
procedure
surgery
mental process
surgical process
cognitive process
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for operation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for operation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “operation” mean?
The word “operation” means the way something works, or the act of making it work. In plain terms, a task, procedure, or process being carried out, whether it's a business plan, a military mission, a surgery, or a math step.
How do you pronounce “operation”?
“Operation” is pronounced op-uh-RAY-shuhn (/ˌɑ.pəˈɹeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “operation” in a sentence?
Here is “operation” used in a sentence: “The operation of the new machine is simpler than expected.”
What part of speech is “operation”?
“Operation” is a noun.
Where does the word “operation” come from?
The word “operation” comes from Latin. From Latin operatio, "a working," from the verb operari — the same root as "operate.".
Is “operation” a common word?
“Operation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “operation” have?
“Operation” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way something works, or the act of making it work.
What is the difference between operation and function?
An operation is the working or running of something — the act of making it work and the way it does so. A function is the purpose it serves or the job it's meant to do. A machine's function is what it's for; its operation is how it actually runs in practice.
What are the different meanings of operation?
Beyond the working or running of something, 'operation' has several senses: a surgical procedure ('a knee operation'), a planned military or organised effort ('a rescue operation'), a mathematical process like addition, and a business's activities ('overseas operations'). Context shows which meaning applies.
What does 'in operation' mean?
'In operation' means up and running, active, and doing its job. A factory in operation is producing goods; a rule in operation is currently in force. The phrase describes something that is not just switched on but actually functioning as intended at that time.
What is an example of 'operation' in a sentence?
'The operation of the machine is simple' describes how it works. 'Staff explained the safe operation of the lift' refers to making it work correctly. Both use 'operation' in its core sense — the running of something — rather than the surgical or military meanings the word can also carry.
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