The meaning of OPERATIVE is producing an appropriate effect : efficacious. How to use operative 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 concerned with physical …

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 their hands. In …

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

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 activity. key: …

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

Jan 20, 2026 · Noun operative (plural operatives) An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.

Robert Deposada, a GOP operative from the failed Bush Presidency, has crossed a critical line this week by developing and placing ads urging Latino voters to stay home and not vote during this …

As an adjective, operative often means exerting power or influence. Something that is operative is binding or in effect, such as operative laws or an operative organization that establishes rules.

Operative definition: Being in effect; having force; operating.