The meaning of OPERATIVE is producing an appropriate effect : efficacious. How to use operative in a sentence.

OPERATIVE meaning: 1. a worker, especially one who is skilled in working with their hands: 2. a person who works…. Learn more.

OPERATIVE definition: a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker. See examples of operative used in a sentence.

1. Being in effect; having force; operating: "Two major tendencies are operative in the American political system" (Heinz Eulau). 2. Functioning effectively; efficient. 3. Engaged in or …

A system or service that is operative is working or having an effect. The commercial telephone service was no longer operative. An operative is a worker, especially one who does work with …

operating, or exerting force, power, or influence. being in effect or operation: laws operative in this city. effective or efficacious. engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive …

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word operative, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Nov 14, 2025 · operative (comparative more operative, superlative most operative) Effectual or important.

If I go, I will bring a salad. “If,” however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go.

Definition of operative adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.