operate
verb (used without object)
to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.
have been operating
-
present perfect progressiveof operate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pumping stations have been operating at full capacity for days, but Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Sunday it could take "up to a week" for the waters to fully drain.
From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026
Student-loan scams have been operating for years, and they’ve eluded multiple efforts by regulators to quash them.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026
Qatar has halted all flying indefinitely, while the two main Emirati airlines have been operating only a handful of ad hoc flights, while keeping their regularly scheduled flights grounded.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
"The project's two pilot turbines have been operating for five years without causing any impacts to national security," it said in a statement.
From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2025
“For the past five years, I have been operating in the United States. Now I need your help!”
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
