The meaning of OPERATION is performance of a practical work or of something involving the practical application of principles or processes. How to use operation in a sentence.

OPERATION meaning: 1. the fact of operating or being active: 2. the way that parts of a machine or system work…. Learn more.

1. an act or instance, process, or manner of functioning or operating.

Definition of operation noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are 18 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun operation, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

An operation must not be confounded with the process by which the operation is effected. Thus, there is but one operation of extracting the cube root of a number, but there are several different processes.

a process of a practical or mechanical nature in some form of work or production: a delicate operation in watchmaking. a course or procedure of productive or industrial activity: building operations.

Feb 22, 2026 · Noun operation (countable and uncountable, plural operations) (uncountable) The method by which a device performs its function.

Jan 8, 2026 · An Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in December dubbed “Operation Buckeye” has abated, but ICE agents remain in Columbus detaining residents.

OPERATION definition: an act or instance, process, or manner of functioning or operating. See examples of operation used in a sentence.