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working order

American  

noun

  1. the condition of a mechanism when it is functioning properly.

    a stove in working order.


Etymology

Origin of working order

First recorded in 1835–45

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.

Valencia’s cellphone was found in working order and he never called 911 for help, according to Wenrick.

From Los Angeles Times

Claire Barnett says it was a "freak, unfortunate accident", but his nose was still in "full working order".

From BBC

Today, those same simulated posteriors are essential to making sure new sensors are in good working order.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of them in Nagasaki survived the 1945 atomic bomb blast and is still in working order, 117 years after it was fabricated and shipped from Scotland.

From BBC

“I will be busy sending telegraphs all day to the operatives we planted throughout the region,” Mr. Pinkerton said, turning to me with a nod, “to Philadelphia and New York. We cut the wires to and from Harrisburg last night when Mr. Lincoln made his hasty departure. But now I’ll send word, and the lines will be repaired to working order again.”

From Literature