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

Meanwhile, more than 100 nuclear plants have been closed in the last two decades around the world, including New York State’s sole nuclear power plant, which was retired in 2021 due to high operating costs and environmental and safety concerns.

From BBC

At the time, the Missouri State Highway Patrol database also listed a citation for operating a vehicle without proper proof of insurance.

From Los Angeles Times

“And I can tell you that the IDF is operating on Israeli territory making sure that a terror invasion is not possible, making sure we are defending our borders.”

From BBC

Operating on the assumption that 4B amounts a "sex strike," it's easy for opinion writers to shrug it off as ineffectual and unlikely to gain momentum.

From Salon

Apple Podcasts will only work on MacOS operating systems since Catalina.

From Slate

Related Words

• operational
• running
• working