operate
verb (used without object)
to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.
were operating
-
past progressiveof operate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Eight reactors were completely shut down while five were operating at reduced power.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
He also added the territory was facing a humanitarian and security emergency, warning that reception centres for unaccompanied minors were operating at several times their intended capacity, according to Reuters.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Mathieu Choinière pumped his fists as though he were operating a handcrank.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026
If you were operating entirely within that framework, you might not even be able to take paid leave for a nonelective surgery.
From MarketWatch ● May 11, 2026
Olka and I, you see, were operating by different clocks.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
