How to Use function in a Sentence

function

1 of 2 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.
  • The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function.
  • The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function.
  • His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
  • What functions do these programs fulfill?
  • Her chief function is to provide expert legal advice.
  • They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.
  • The scale of the home matched its function.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
  • She would be stuck with one function at one height.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The next weak link was in the maybe_download_backup_from_email function.
    — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 18 Feb. 2022
  • The Fed has two broad functions.
    — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And so all of our spaces have to have more than one function.
    — Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful, 16 Sep. 2021
  • Eating pears at any time of day can help these functions.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
  • What his graph showed was tax revenue as a function of tax rates.
    — Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 30 May 2017
  • Both play key roles in immune function and heart health.
    — T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This kitchen cart comes in black or white, and wins in terms of both form and function.
    — Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 27 July 2022
  • Explain the function of fear to them.
    — Robyn Koslowitz, Parents, 19 Sep. 2025
  • No one asks white actors, so how does race function in your work?
    — The New Yorker, 29 May 2022
  • Each seating area serves a unique function.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
  • There’s a steam-clean function and a quick-cook feature.
    — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The two met at a church function in San Diego.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, form and function don’t mean these items still aren’t fun—or fetchable.
    — Vogue, 2 Aug. 2019
  • Yet this man will travel with me for church functions and to spend time with his friends.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Take a look at these five options that marry form and function.
    — Lindsey M. Roberts, sacbee, 15 June 2018
  • This truck had a glass roof and front seats that reclined all the way back to function as cots.
    — Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 23 Nov. 2020
  • Is that the function of music, to get your blood rushing?
    — Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
  • It can be preserved in form while altered in function.
    — Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • For tech bros, the word seems to have a pragmatic function.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The outdoor kitchen is designed with both style and function in mind.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

function

2 of 2 verb
  • The new machine functions well.
  • Her heart now seems to be functioning normally.
  • His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks.
  • The computer network is not yet fully functioning.
  • Some light strings will not function if one of the bulbs is out.
    — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, 28 Sep. 2017
  • Why are there no functioning air raid sirens?
    — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Bailey says the group functioned like an elite sports team.
    — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • In some good news, the devices will still function.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026
  • That told him a lot about how the ocean had functioned as a system.
    — Gary Robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, 1 Sep. 2017
  • Amenc also functions well as a guide.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The 10-yard line will function as the goal line at this game.
    — Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2019
  • Slides must function as a single flow.
    — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Hey those things don’t function at all,’ that was a surprise.
    — Chris Tomasson, Twin Cities, 1 Jan. 2020
  • Good blood flow equals good brain functioning.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • For economies to function and for peace to hold, rules must be predictable.
    — Maria Mendiluce, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Just like white, gray can also function as a warm or cool color.
    — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 25 July 2019
  • And the car needs to be able to function in the absence of a smartphone.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2024
  • Cloth gloves also function as a reminder to touch your face less.
    — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 11 July 2020
  • This tiny bedroom needs to function as both a sleeping and a study space.
    — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But the estate functioned as more than a single house.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
  • Investors want to see that your business can function at scale.
    — Patrick Galleher, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Ride apps don’t function either.
    — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
  • That is not how this system is supposed to function.
    — Dan Daley, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In some states, prices are listed for cities that function like counties.
    — Kevin Crowe, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2023
  • This isn’t how the system is supposed to function.
    — Rep. Nick Menapace, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
  • So, if your router is functioning, there's no reason to rush out and buy a new one.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Venice doesn’t function as a simple rental market.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 4 May 2026
  • Traffic is shut down, so drivers can’t function.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The device would function around the clock and charge at night, though Musk didn't say how.
    — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2020
  • What steps will be taken if the student is unable to function?
    — Caryn M. Sullivan, Twin Cities, 9 June 2019

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'function.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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