operation
noun
op·er·a·tion
| \ ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shən
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Definition of operation
1
: performance of a practical work or of something involving the practical application of principles or processes
Practice until you can go through the whole operation without hesitation or thinking.
2a
: an exertion of power or influence
the operation of a drug
b
: the quality or state of being functional or operative
The plant is now in operation.
c
: a method or manner of functioning
a machine of very simple operation
4
: a procedure performed on a living body usually with instruments especially for the repair of damage or defect or the restoration of health
needed an operation to remove his appendix
5
: any of various mathematical or logical processes (such as addition) of deriving one entity from others according to a rule
Multiplication is one mathematical operation.
6a
: a usually military action, mission, or maneuver including its planning and execution
military operations for a large-scale invasion
b
operations plural
: the office on the flight line of an airfield where pilots file clearance for flights and where flying from the field is controlled
c
operations plural
: the agency of an organization charged with carrying on the principal planning and operating functions of a headquarters and its subordinate units
7
: a business transaction especially when speculative
continued his operations in cotton futures
8
: a single step performed by a computer in the execution of a program (see program entry 1 sense 6a)
9
: a usually small business or establishment
ran a struggling operation
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Synonyms for operation
Synonyms
assignment, brief, business, charge, detail, job, mission, post
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Examples of operation in a Sentence
The family runs a small farming operation.
The company is a billion-dollar operation.
Recent Examples on the Web
One such operation, Altius Farms, has a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse that sits atop a chic sushi restaurant at a new condo project. — The Denver Post, "Post Premium: Our best stories for the week of July 29-Aug. 4," 4 Aug. 2019 Here’s to Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen and Astros president of baseball operations Jeff Luhnow. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "We can thank Astros, Diamondbacks for saving the trade deadline," 3 Aug. 2019 Remillard has more than 15 years of experience in leading and managing business operations, sales and marketing. — Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, "Simon appoints new manager of luxury retail and director of business development at The Galleria," 2 Aug. 2019 States including Michigan, with extensive auto-making operations, tended to receive the highest marks in the study. — Russ Wiles, azcentral, "Arizona gets a 'C' grade as a manufacturing center, report finds," 2 Aug. 2019 Both Leitão and Luiz Muzzi, the vice president of soccer operations, insisted on Wednesday night Orlando City is on the cusp of finally turning the corner. — Mike Bianchi, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City needs to build on soccer momentum created by MLS All-Star Game," 2 Aug. 2019 Motorists can expect single lane closures guided by a flagging operation, Sunday through Thursday, starting each night at 8 p.m. and continuing through 5 a.m. the following morning. — Carroll County Times Staff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Road work along Md. 32 in Eldersburg to begin Sunday night," 2 Aug. 2019 But then Al Avila, the Tigers’ executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager, knew the market was soft for a .273 hitter who is a limited defender. — Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers take another swing at prospects. They need to make contact," 31 July 2019 That prompted discussion about whether to switch the market’s day or time of operation, change its location, or end it all together. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "La Mesa’s certified Farmers’ Market gets to keep its downtown home," 30 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'operation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for operation
operation
noun
English Language Learners Definition of operation
: a process in which a doctor cuts into someone's body in order to repair or remove a damaged or diseased part
: a usually small business or organization
: an activity of a business or organization
See the full definition for operation in the English Language Learners Dictionary
operation
noun
op·er·a·tion
| \ ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of operation
1
: a set of actions for a particular purpose
a rescue operation
2
: a medical procedure that involves cutting into a living body in order to repair or remove a damaged or diseased part
I need an operation to remove my appendix.
3
: the process of putting military forces into action
naval operations
4
: the state of working or being able to work
The factory is now in operation.
5
: a method or manner of working
The camera is designed for easy operation.
6
: a process (as addition or multiplication) of getting one mathematical expression from others according to a rule
7
: a single step performed by a computer in carrying out a program
operation
noun
op·er·a·tion
| \ ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shən
\
\