specifically: one that performs a calculation with variables (see variableentry 2 sense 1a) provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work.
the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information โ๐ Image Aldous Huxley
office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.
they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor โ๐ Image W. E. Gladstone
duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.
it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case โ๐ Image R. B. Taney
province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.
I felt it was not my province to inquire โ๐ Image Anne Brontรซ
Examples of function in a Sentence
Noun
The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
He believes that the true function of art is to tell the truth.
What functions do these programs fulfill?
infants learning to control their bodily functions
The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function.
The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function.
His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
Her chief function is to provide expert legal advice.
They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend. Verb
The new machine functions well.
His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks.
Her heart now seems to be functioning normally.
The computer network is not yet fully functioning.
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Noun
Each state office will include a small leadership support team responsible for functions such as legislative affairs, communications and intergovernmental coordination.โ๐ Image Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Republicans accused Hobbs of politicizing memorial decisions; Democrats say the GOP inappropriately injected politics into a traditionally nonpartisan government function.โ๐ Image David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
The fourth dimension, which originated in the eighteenth century and was mathematically theorized in the nineteenth, both described diagrammable space and functioned as an expression of time.โ๐ Image Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026 An unceremonious dumping ground for the sort of horror movies most people can live without, Q1 has long functioned as a graveyard for the genre.โ๐ Image Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for function
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuแน kte he enjoys
