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.
PINNs are already used for specific applications, but full operational deployment holds transformational capabilities. Renny Vandewege, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Hope Florida, the First Lady’s signature initiative, appears disorganized at best, with poor planning, incomplete records and no clear operational transparency. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025 Cook, 64, has been Apple’s CEO for nearly 14 years and is widely respected for his operational acumen. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 July 2025 Consider traveling with a compact Starlink Mini, as satellite internet often remains operational even when other internet services are down. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 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 21 Jul. 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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