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

Phil spokesperson told The Times that their ongoing funding challenges come from “fundraising limitations and rising operating costs,” while also maintaining their day-to-day operations, including free/low-cost community programs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With the Education Department, ASU has discussed operating a pilot program to distribute financial aid in new ways, according to people familiar with the conversations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The freeze only relates to travel in England, and also only applies to services run by England-based train operating companies.

Read more on BBC

Going forward, HP expects a boost as small- to medium-sized businesses and customers in Europe and Asia install the new operating system and upgrade their aging PCs, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We do expect to be operating robotaxis in I think about eight to 10 metro areas by the end of the year.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• operational 
• running 
• working