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

The Florida-based company, which has been operating as Spirit Airlines since 1992, has served cities throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

From Los Angeles Times

But its administration highlights how tough the "value sector of retail is finding both trading conditions and the cost of operating on UK high streets", said retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth.

From BBC

Housing Department General Manager Tiena Johnson Hall called it “historic moment,” saying that the funding will go toward not only new construction, but housing preservation and operating assistance funding.

From Los Angeles Times

With Kang at the helm, the club is run very differently - operating in female sports markets and attracting independent sponsorships.

From BBC

Airlines operating in the Baltic region have reported tens of thousands of GPS jamming incidents in the past few years.

From BBC

Related Words

• operational 
• running 
• working