operational

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce operational (audio)
1
: of or relating to operation or to an operation
the operational gap between planning and production
2
: of, relating to, or based on operations
3
a
: of, engaged in, or connected with execution of military or naval operations in campaign or battle
b
: ready for or in condition to undertake a destined function
operationally adverb

Examples of operational in a Sentence

The new airport should be fully operational by next year. The computer network is now operational.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keeping classes affordable while covering rent, instructors and operational costs? Deepali Jamwal, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 In an order later on Wednesday, Boasberg questioned how the court's inquiry could jeopardize state secrets, since the Trump administration itself had already revealed many operational details of the flights. Joel Rose, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 This new list will recognize the leading venture capital firms headquartered in the U.S., based on their performance across key financial and operational metrics. Time Staff, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025 The main goal was to show that Starliner is ready to carry astronauts to and from the ISS, so that the spacecraft can start flying operational, long-duration missions in the near future. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for operational

Word History

Etymology

operation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of operational was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operational. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

operational

adjective
op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shnəl How to pronounce operational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to operation or an operation
2
: ready for operation

Legal Definition

operational

adjective
op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shə-nəl How to pronounce operational (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on operational

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