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noun Very common

operations

op-uh-RAY-shuhnz
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Operations (noun) means the practical, day-to-day activities involved in running a business or organization. Example: “The company moved its operations to a bigger warehouse near the motorway.”

noun
1
The practical, day-to-day activities involved in running a business or organization.
"The company moved its operations to a bigger warehouse near the motorway."
"She was promoted to head of operations last spring."
"Operations were disrupted by the power outage."

How to use operations

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe everyday running of a company or organization — logistics, staffing, production, and so on.

Common pairings
head of operations day-to-day operations operations manager
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Word forms

Singular
in construction
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Fill the gap

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The company moved its _____ to a bigger warehouse near the motorway.

activities workings running processes functioning administration day-to-day management

Related words

Rhymes for operations

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Frequently asked questions

What does “operations” mean?
The word “operations” means the practical, day-to-day activities involved in running a business or organization. In plain terms, the everyday running of a company or organization — logistics, staffing, production, and so on.
How do you pronounce “operations”?
“Operations” is pronounced op-uh-RAY-shuhnz (/ˌɑ.pəˈɹeɪ.ʃənz/ in IPA).
How do you use “operations” in a sentence?
Here is “operations” used in a sentence: “She was promoted to head of operations last spring.”
What part of speech is “operations”?
“Operations” is a noun.
Is “operations” a common word?
“Operations” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between operations and strategy?
Strategy sets the long-term direction and goals of an organization — the "what" and the "why." Operations are the day-to-day activities that carry that strategy out — the "how." Strategy decides where the business is heading, while operations do the practical work of actually getting it there.
What does an operations manager do?
An operations manager oversees the daily activities that keep a business running smoothly, coordinating staff, processes, supplies, and workflow. Their job is to make sure the practical side of the organization functions efficiently, on time, and within budget, so goods or services are delivered reliably to customers.
What is the difference between operations and logistics?
Operations covers all the day-to-day activities of running an organization, from staffing to production and customer service. Logistics is one part of that: the specific management of moving, storing, and delivering goods. Logistics sits inside the broader field of operations rather than standing apart from it.
What are examples of business operations?
Business operations include processing orders, managing inventory, scheduling staff, handling customer service, maintaining equipment, and overseeing production. These routine, practical activities keep the organization functioning each day and turn its plans and strategy into finished products or services that reach customers.

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