operating

[ op-uh-rey-ting ]

adjective

1. used or engaged in performing operations:

   an operating surgeon.

2. of, for, or pertaining to operations:

   an operating budget.

3. of or relating to the proper operation of a machine, appliance, etc.:

   a manual of operating instructions.

4. Railroads. of, pertaining, or belonging to railroad workers, as engineers or firemen, who are directly engaged in the mechanical operation of trains:

   an operating union.

Other Words From

• non·oper·ating adjective
• un·oper·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operating¹

First recorded in 1800–10; operat(e) + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

SoftBank's Vision Fund went from being in the red, with an annual operating loss of $18 billion at one point, to an $8 billion net profit in its most recent quarter — thanks in no small part to the past year's unexpected events.

From Axios

The second relates to increased awareness of how adopting ESG can advance specific business goals they have such as increasing sales, attracting top talent, and reducing operating risks.

From TechCrunch

The purchase of the Android operating system also allowed Google to push its apps, such as Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, and more onto nine out of 10 mobile devices sold globally each year.

From Search Engine Watch

Designers in R&D labs around the world are putting perfect skis on the operating table to strip out precious pounds in order to join the marketing war over who makes the lightest boards.

From Outside Online

Apple founder Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, leaving the company to be run by then-chief operating officer Tim Cook.

From Washington Post

If you answered nine or more, you may have won a SONY Betamax and an eight-track operating system.

From The Daily Beast

The two carriers are headquartered in Kuala Lumpur but have vastly different profiles and operating philosophies.

From The Daily Beast

Further, in the Super Tuesday states of Florida, Texas, and Virginia, Paul is operating at a decided disadvantage.

From The Daily Beast

With Batman and Planet of the Apes, you seem to be operating around 15 years ahead of the culture.

From The Daily Beast

About 50 lawyers from six other regions take part, operating in shifts.

From The Daily Beast

The obstacles operating against the development of enterprises and employment of foreign capital to be removed.

From Project Gutenberg

The bailor is not responsible generally for any negligence of the hirer in operating the car.

From Project Gutenberg

A chauffeur may recover damages from his employer for injuries received while operating his car.

From Project Gutenberg

These actions, operating through a long series of years, are the source of the inorganic constituents of all soils.

From Project Gutenberg

When the steamer dropped down stream and picked up the fugitives, Malcolm learnt that Spurgin was co-operating with Renaud.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• operational
• running
• working