ENGLISH
REFERENCE

operating

v. · adj. · n.
US //ˈɑpɝˌeɪtɪŋ// UK //ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɪŋ// op·er·at·ing
  1. 1 working or running (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of a machine working or a person controlling a machine.

    the present participle of 'operate', describing the action of a machine functioning or a person controlling its mechanism.

    Example

    The factory was operating at full capacity to meet the holiday demand.

    Example

    The technician monitored the console while the turbine was operating, ensuring that the vibration levels remained within the safety parameters.
  2. 2 running a business (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of managing or running a business or organization.

    the present participle of 'operate', referring to the management or conduct of a business, agency, or system.

    Example

    The company is now operating in over twenty different countries.

    Example

    By operating under a franchise model, the brand was able to expand rapidly across the continent without significant capital investment.
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  1. 3 medical surgery (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the act of a doctor performing surgery on a patient.

    the present participle of 'operate', specifically referring to the performance of a surgical procedure on a patient.

    Example

    The surgeons have been operating for five hours to repair the damage.

    Example

    The medical team was operating under extreme pressure, as the patient's vitals began to fluctuate during the delicate neurosurgical procedure.
    • performing surgery
  2. 4 functional or in use (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes something that is currently working or being used.

    describing a state of being in action or functional; often used in technical or business contexts.

    Example

    The elevator is not in an operating state at the moment.

    Example

    The airline's operating costs have risen sharply due to the sudden increase in global fuel prices and airport maintenance fees.
  3. 5 the process of working (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the way that something works or is managed.

    the act or process of functioning or conducting a task; used as a gerund noun.

    Example

    The smooth operating of the school depends on the staff's hard work.

    Example

    The seamless operating of the logistics network is essential for the timely delivery of perishable goods across the region.

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