An operation is a highly organized activity that involves many people doing different things.
The rescue operation began on Friday afternoon.
The soldiers were engaged in a military operation close to the border.
...a police operation against organised crime.
2. countable noun
A business or company can be referred to as an operation.
[business]
Thorn's electronics operation employs around 5,000 people.
The two parent groups now run their business as a single combined operation.
3. countable noun
When a patient has an operation, a surgeon cuts open their body in order to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part.
Charles was at the clinic recovering from an operation on his arm.
4. uncountable noun [in/out ofN]
If a system is inoperation, it is being used.
The scheme is expected to be in operation by the end of March.
...the free banking system that has been in operation since the early eighties.
5. uncountable noun [in/out ofN]
If a machine or device is inoperation, it is working.
There are three ski lifts in operation.
6.
See come into operation/put sth into operation
More Synonyms of operation
operation in British English
(ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən)
noun
1.
the act, process, or manner of operating
2.
the state of being in effect, in action, or operative (esp in the phrases inorinto operation)
3.
a process, method, or series of acts, esp of a practical or mechanical nature
4. surgery
any manipulation of the body or one of its organs or parts to repair damage, arrest the progress of a disease, remove foreign matter, etc
5.
a.
a military or naval action, such as a campaign, manoeuvre, etc
b.
(capital and prenominal when part of a name)
Operation Crossbow
6. mathematics
a.
any procedure, such as addition, multiplication, involution, or differentiation, in which one or more numbers or quantities are operated upon according to specific rules
b.
a function from a set onto itself
7.
a commercial or financial transaction
operation in American English
(ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən)
noun
1.
the act, process, or method of operating
2.
the condition of being in action or at work
3.
a process or action that is part of a series in some work
4.
a.
any movement or series of movements made in carrying out strategic military plans
b. [pl.]
a center where such activities are monitored or supervised, as at an air base
c.
any specific plan, project, venture, etc.
Operation Cleanup
5.
any surgical procedure performed, usually with the aid of instruments, to remedy a physical ailment or defect
6. Ancient Mathematics
any process, as addition, division, etc., involving a change or transformation in a quantity
Idioms:
in operation
Word origin
ME operacion < OFr < L operatio
operation in Insurance
(ɒpəreɪʃən)
Word forms: (regular plural) operations
noun
(Insurance: Medical insurance)
An operation is the process of cutting open someone's body in order to repair, replace, or remove a damaged part.
Surgical expense insurance covers the surgeon's charge for given operations or medical treatment.
Before health insurance was common, people who needed an operation but couldn't afford it either died or suffered painful and disabling conditions.
An operation is the process of cutting open someone's body in order to repair, replace, or removea damaged part.
COBUILD Collocations
operation
banking operation
cease operations
clean-up operation
commercial operation
continuing operations
covert operations
day-to-day operations
emergency operation
entire operation
expand operations
ground operation
intelligence operation
joint operation
knee operation
launch an operation
life-saving operation
military operation
mining operations
minor operation
mount an operation
need an operation
online operation
overseas operations
perform an operation
police operation
require an operation
resume operations
retail operation
routine operation
salvage operation
security operation
shoulder operation
smuggling operation
surgical operations
surveillance operation
suspend operations
trading operations
transplant operation
undercover operation
undergo an operation
undertake operations
Examples of 'operation' in a sentence
operation
He had four operations but is expected to make a full recovery.
The Sun (2016)
The cup run has delayed the operation he needs.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Under the system, the operation of train doors is transferred from the conductor to the driver.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Chiefs have been battling unions over plans for driver-only operation of train doors.
The Sun (2016)
She has undergone 17 operations to reconstruct her face.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
She underwent a second emergency operation at the clinic near Hanover yesterday and was placed in an artificial coma to aid her recovery.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Most of the marine jobs will go in the company 's Scandinavian operations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He opposes increasing the minimum wage and favours automation in franchised fast-food operations, one of which he headed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The company is understood to have struck a deal to sell four operations currently on the block.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Was operation of the logistics chain really a core activity to most businesses?
Thompson, Sir Peter Sharing the Success - the story of NFC (1990)
This would have proved a difficult operation by other processes.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The company stopped operations when the roof had been raised to half a mile below ground.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
She has had three operations and been left heavily scarred.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The limits of each are practical ones of camera operation.
Freeman, Michael Collins Complete Guide to Photography (1993)
The global investment banking operation will sit outside of the structure.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Shareholders want it to cut costs and jobs and sell or close lossmaking operations.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The military operation left him with no choice.
The Sun (2009)
He is recovering in hospital after undergoing an operation.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This is one of the basic planning operations from which the others stem.
Kitto, Dick Planning the Organic Vegetable Garden (1986)
The batteries were concealed in one of the legs and changing them would have been a major operation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Blood clots that had formed in his legs moved up towards his chest and emergency operation was needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The keyhole procedure allowed us to buy time and to let her grow a little before the major operation.
The Sun (2012)
Early operations did not go well.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The four operations were unbelievably tough.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The combined operations may subsequently be sold on, according to energy industry sources.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is naive to suggest that the adverse effects of thalidomide would have been picked up earlier had the proposed system been in operation.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He also accused the regulator of failing in its duty after learning of new examples of'cruel' and unsafe operations in clinics he had previously reported.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
operation
British English: operation /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ NOUN
organized activity An operation is a highly organized activity that involves many people doing different things.
...a military operation.
American English: operation undertaking
Arabic: عَمَلِيَةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: operação
Chinese: 实施
Croatian: postupak
Czech: akce projekt
Danish: operation
Dutch: operatie handeling
European Spanish: operación
Finnish: hanke
French: opération manœuvre
German: Unternehmen
Greek: επιχείρηση πραγματοποίηση εργασίας
Italian: operazione
Japanese: 作業
Korean: 작전
Norwegian: virksomhet
Polish: działanie funkcjonowanie
European Portuguese: funcionamento
Romanian: operațiune
Russian: операция
Latin American Spanish: operación
Swedish: funktion
Thai: การดำเนินการ
Turkish: operasyon
Ukrainian: операція
Vietnamese: hoạt động
British English: operation /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ NOUN
surgical If a patient has an operation, a surgeon cuts open their body in order to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part.
⇒ the risks at each stage of the operation各个实施步骤的风险 (gè gè shíshī bùzhòu de fēngxiǎn)
(c) (Mil) 行动(動) (xíngdòng) (次, cì)
⇒ the most successful customs operation of the year本年度最成功的海关行动 (běn niándù zuì chénggōng de hǎiguān xíngdòng)
(c) (Med) 手术(術) (shǒushù) (次, cì)
⇒ a major heart operation一次大的心脏手术 (yī cì dà de xīnzàng shǒushù)
(u) (= use)[of machine, vehicle etc]操作 (cāozuò)
⇒ a guide to the operation of the machine机器操作指南 (jīqì cāozuò zhǐnán)
(c) (Comm, = business) 企业 (qǐyè) (家, jiā)
⇒ The two groups now run their business as a single combined operation.两个集团现作为一个单一的联合企业经营业务。 (Liǎng gè jítuán xiàn zuòwéi yī gè dānyī de liánhé qǐyè jīngyíng yèwù.)
to be in operation[law, scheme]在实(實)施中 (zài shíshī zhōng) [machine, device]运(運)转(轉)着(著) (yùnzhuǎnzhe)
to come into operation生效 (shēngxiào)
to bring or put sth into operation使某事开(開)始实(實)施 (shǐ mǒushì kāishǐ shíshī)
to have an operation (Med) 接受手术(術) (jiēshòu shǒushù)
to perform or carry out an operation (Med) 施行手术(術) (shīxíng shǒushù)
⇒ Dr Jones will perform the operation.琼斯医生将施行这次手术。 (Qióngsī yīshēng jiāng shīxíng zhè cì shǒushù.)
All related terms of 'operation'
co-operation
( collaboration ) 合作 hézuò
to be in operation
( law, scheme ) 在实(實)施中 zài shíshī zhōng
to have an operation
( Med ) 接受手术(術) jiēshòu shǒushù
to come into operation
生效 shēngxiào
to come into operation/force
开(開)始运(運)行/生效 kāishǐ yùnxíng/shēngxiào
to bring or put sth into operation
使某事开(開)始实(實)施 shǐ mǒushì kāishǐ shíshī
to perform or carry out an operation
( Med ) 施行手术(術) shīxíng shǒushù ⇒ Dr Jones will perform the operation. → 琼斯医生将施行这次手术。 Qióngsī yīshēng jiāng shīxíng zhè cì shǒushù.
1 (noun)
Definition
an action or series of actions done to produce a particular result
A major rescue operation is under way.
Synonyms
undertaking
Organizing the show has been a massive undertaking.
process
The best way to find out is by a process of elimination.
affair
The government has mishandled the whole affair.
organization
the work that goes into the organization of this event
proceeding
The whole proceeding went very smoothly.
procedure
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
coordination
oper8n (textmessaging)
2 (noun)
Definition
a military or naval manoeuvre
a full-scale military operation
Synonyms
manoeuvre
The camp was used for military manoeuvres.
campaign
The General's campaign against the militia has so far failed.
movement
I could watch your every movement.
exercise
a missile being used in a military exercise
assault
The rebels are poised for a new assault.
deployment
oper8n (textmessaging)
3 (noun)
a nationwide retail operation with an exceptional record of growth
Synonyms
business
The company was a family business.
concern
If not a large concern, his business was at least a successful one.
firm
The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.
organization
Most of the funds are provided by voluntary organizations.
corporation
chairperson of a huge multi-national corporation
venture
a Russian-American joint venture
enterprise
There are plenty of small industrial enterprises.
oper8n (textmessaging)
4 (noun)
Definition
a surgical procedure carried out to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part of the body
an operation to reduce a bloodclot on the brain
Synonyms
surgery
His father had just recovered from heart surgery.
surgical operation
surgical intervention
oper8n (textmessaging)
5 (noun)
Definition
the act or method of operating
Dials monitor every aspect of the operation of the aircraft.
Synonyms
performance
What is the car's performance like?
working
computer systems which mimic the workings of the human brain
running
the smooth running of the machine
action
Her description of the action of poisons is very accurate.
movement
functioning
motion
the laws governing light, sound and motion
manipulation
oper8n (textmessaging)
6 (noun)
Definition
the act or method of operating
This change is due to the operation of several factors.
Synonyms
effect
We are now resuming diplomatic relations with immediate effect.
force
The army was the most powerful political force.
activity
She needed special instruction due to her restricted activity.
agency (old-fashioned)
a negotiated settlement through the agency of the UN
influence
Many other medications have an influence on cholesterol levels.
impact
They expect the meeting to have a marked impact on the country's future.
effectiveness
the effectiveness of computers as an educational tool
instrumentality
oper8n (textmessaging)
phrase
See in operation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of action
Her description of the action of poisons is very accurate.
Synonyms
effect,
working,
work,
force,
power,
process,
effort,
operation,
activity,
movement,
influence,
functioning,
motion,
exertion
in the sense of activity
She needed special instruction due to her restricted activity.
Synonyms
functioning,
power,
effect,
strength,
efficiency,
capability,
vitality,
vigour,
potency,
efficacy
in the sense of affair
Definition
a thing to be done or attended to
The government has mishandled the whole affair.
Synonyms
matter,
thing,
business,
question,
issue,
happening,
concern,
event,
subject,
project,
activity,
incident,
proceeding,
circumstance,
episode,
topic,
undertaking,
transaction,
occurrence
Synonyms of 'operation'
operation
Explore 'operation' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agency
Definition
action or power by which something happens
a negotiated settlement through the agency of the UN
Synonyms
medium,
work,
means,
force,
power,
action,
operation,
activity,
influence,
vehicle,
instrument,
intervention,
mechanism,
efficiency,
mediation,
auspices,
intercession,
instrumentality
in the sense of assault
Definition
a violent attack, either physical or verbal
The rebels are poised for a new assault.
Synonyms
attack,
campaign,
strike,
rush,
storm,
storming,
raid,
invasion,
charge,
offensive,
onset,
onslaught,
foray,
incursion,
act of aggression,
inroad
in the sense of campaign
Definition
a number of operations aimed at achieving a single objective
The General's campaign against the militia has so far failed.
Synonyms
operation,
drive,
attack,
movement,
push,
offensive,
expedition,
crusade,
jihad
in the sense of concern
Definition
a business or firm
If not a large concern, his business was at least a successful one.
Synonyms
company,
house,
business,
firm,
organization,
corporation,
enterprise,
establishment
in the sense of corporation
Definition
a large business or company
chairperson of a huge multi-national corporation
Synonyms
business,
company,
concern,
firm,
society,
association,
organization,
enterprise,
establishment,
corporate body
in the sense of effectiveness
the effectiveness of computers as an educational tool
Synonyms
power,
effect,
efficiency,
success,
strength,
capability,
use,
validity,
usefulness,
potency,
efficacy,
fruitfulness,
productiveness
in the sense of enterprise
Definition
a business firm
There are plenty of small industrial enterprises.
Synonyms
firm,
company,
business,
concern,
operation,
organization,
establishment,
commercial undertaking
in the sense of exercise
Definition
a manoeuvre or simulated combat operation
a missile being used in a military exercise
Synonyms
manoeuvre,
campaign,
operation,
movement,
deployment
in the sense of firm
Definition
a business company
The firm's employees were expecting large bonuses.
Synonyms
company,
business,
concern,
association,
organization,
house,
corporation,
venture,
enterprise,
partnership,
establishment,
undertaking,
outfit (informal),
consortium,
conglomerate
in the sense of force
Definition
a person or thing with such influence
The army was the most powerful political force.
Synonyms
agency (old-fashioned),
means,
power,
medium,
influence,
vehicle,
instrument,
mechanism,
instrumentality,
operation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of impact
Definition
the effect or impression made by something
They expect the meeting to have a marked impact on the country's future.
Synonyms
effect,
influence,
consequences,
impression,
repercussions,
ramifications
in the sense of influence
Definition
an effect of one person or thing on another
Many other medications have an influence on cholesterol levels.
Synonyms
effect,
impact,
impression,
sway
in the sense of motion
Definition
the process of continual change in the position of an object
the laws governing light, sound and motion
Synonyms
movement,
action,
mobility,
passing,
travel,
progress,
flow,
passage,
locomotion,
motility,
kinesics
in the sense of movement
Definition
the manner of moving
I could watch your every movement.
Synonyms
move,
act,
action,
operation,
motion,
gesture,
manoeuvre
in the sense of movement
Definition
the mechanism which drives and regulates a watch or clock
Synonyms
workings,
works,
action,
mechanism,
machinery,
innards (informal)
in the sense of organization
Definition
the act of organizing
the work that goes into the organization of this event
Synonyms
management,
running,
planning,
making,
control,
operation,
handling,
structuring,
administration,
direction,
regulation,
construction,
organizing,
supervision,
governance,
formulation,
coordination,
methodology,
superintendence
in the sense of organization
Definition
an organized group of people, such as a club, society, union, or business
Most of the funds are provided by voluntary organizations.
Synonyms
group,
company,
party,
body,
concern,
league,
association,
band,
institution,
gathering,
circle,
corporation,
federation,
outfit (informal),
faction,
consortium,
syndicate,
combine,
congregation,
confederation
in the sense of procedure
Definition
a way of doing something, esp. an established method
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
Synonyms
method,
policy,
process,
course,
system,
form,
action,
step,
performance,
operation,
practice,
scheme,
strategy,
conduct,
formula,
custom,
routine,
transaction,
plan of action,
modus operandi
in the sense of proceeding
Definition
an act or course of action
The whole proceeding went very smoothly.
Synonyms
action,
process,
procedure,
move,
act,
step,
measure,
venture,
undertaking,
deed,
occurrence,
course of action
in the sense of process
Definition
a series of actions or changes
The best way to find out is by a process of elimination.
Synonyms
procedure,
means,
course,
system,
action,
performance,
operation,
measure,
proceeding,
manner,
transaction,
mode,
course of action
Additional synonyms
in the sense of running
Definition
the operation or maintenance of a machine
the smooth running of the machine
Synonyms
working,
performance,
operation,
functioning,
maintenance
in the sense of venture
Definition
a project or activity that is risky or of uncertain outcome
a Russian-American joint venture
Synonyms
undertaking,
project,
enterprise,
chance,
campaign,
risk,
operation,
activity,
scheme,
task,
mission,
speculation,
gamble,
adventure,
exploit,
pursuit,
fling,
hazard,
crusade,
endeavour
in the sense of working
Definition
the way that something works
computer systems which mimic the workings of the human brain