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 Word Forms

• nonoperating adjective
• unoperating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operating¹

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

Example Sentences

That’s a good background for corporate earnings, which will also benefit from a return of positive operating leverage, greater pricing power, and AI-driven efficiency gains, according to Morgan Stanley.

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He knew something that others did not: that he was operating a Ponzi scheme.

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Nufarm has changed how it reports on operating businesses within its portfolio.

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The Singapore telecommunications operator’s nine-month core earnings fell on year, reflecting its mobile segment’s high operating leverage, they say.

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The Russian army is operating in six African countries, state TV reported in a rare high-profile acknowledgement of the extent of Moscow's official military presence on the continent.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• operational 
• running 
• working