operating

American  

[op-uh-rey-ting] / ˈɒp əˌreɪ tɪŋ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonoperating adjective
• unoperating adjective

Etymology

Origin of operating

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

Example Sentences

Singh’s family heard on March 18 from the tanker’s operating company, Elegant Marine Services, that the captain had suffered a medical emergency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The South Korean consumer electronics giant’s operating profit likely rose 14% on year to 1.433 trillion won for the January-March period, beating the market consensus estimate of 1.376 trillion won, Cho reckons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

San Bernardino County court records show that Armando Gonzalez was charged in April 2011 with operating a vehicle without a valid driver license, which was treated as an infraction.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Notably, verified video that emerged from Iran on Friday appeared to show US military helicopters and at least one refuelling aircraft operating over Iran's Khuzestan province.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But Haie is rather the executive arm, operating under Kat’s orders when things come to blows.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Related Words

• operational
• running
• working