Abstract. Today's researchers argue that facilitating interoperability between applications by relying on agreements concerning the format and meaning (i.e. syntax and semantics) of exchanged data and the ordering of these exchanges are not enough to achieve a complete, effective and meaningful collaboration. The use of data (i.e. pragmatics) is important as well. Pragmatic interoperability thus requires that the use of data be mutually understood between collaborating systems. However, we observe that the notion of pragmatic interoperability is still largely unsettled, as evidenced by the various proposed definitions and the lack of a canonical understanding. Therefore, our objective is to contribute to a more in-depth understanding of this concept through a systematic review of published definitions. Our results show that, indeed, various interpretations of pragmatic interoperability exist. If we categorize the concepts that can be derived from these definitions, we see two broad categories: system level and business level. Within the scope of each of these levels, we see some degree of agreement among the definitions. However, comparing the definitions across these levels, we observe no general agreement. At the system level, a shared understanding of the intended and actual use of exchanged system message in a given context is essential. At the business level, pragmatic interoperability goes beyond service use by considering also the compatibility of business intentions, business rules, organizational policies, and the establishment and maintenance of trust and reputation mechanisms between collaborating business parties.