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Synonyms

operating room

American  

noun

  1. a specially equipped room, usually in a hospital, where surgical procedures are performed. OR


Etymology

Origin of operating room

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

The most powerful treatment is not found in a prescription bottle or an operating room.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

While a torn ACL typically sends athletes straight to the operating room, Vonn said surgery was not a discussion.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

"My love has just gone to the operating room," Bolsonaro's wife Michelle said in an Instagram post.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Trolls, spreading AI-generated images, said I was faking it, something I first learned about as I was about to be wheeled into the operating room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

The operating room smelled like a super-clean bathroom and was just as bright.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge