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 is about 13% of all of Corpus Christi’s water demand in wintertime, according to Drew Molly, who recently resigned as chief operating officer of the city’s water utility.

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This finding suggests that Earth's magnetic field likely formed early in its history through mechanisms very similar to those still operating today.

Read more on Science Daily

The operating losses soared to fund the vision - in his three full seasons, including the financially wounding Covid era, Rangers recorded operating losses of more than £50m.

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Even the most basic elements of operating a military base in the high Arctic are extremely cumbersome.

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Microsoft is ending support for its Windows 10 operating system, which means from Wednesday 14 October, these computers may be at risk.

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Related Words

• operational 
• running 
• working