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

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.

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

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 …

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 …

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

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

operative definition: worker with a specific skill or function. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "operative word", …

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 …

As a noun, operative is often used as a synonym for spy. It can also, less covertly, be used to name a skilled worker, as in "No one aligns gears better than Joe, an operative at the car …