operations research

noun

: the application of scientific and especially mathematical methods to the study and analysis of problems involving complex systems

called also operational research

Examples of operations research in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During World War II, the Allies had great success with the new field of operations research, the application of statistical methods to improve the outcome of tactical engagements. J. Peter Scoblic, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020 Speakers included Ken Goldberg, professor of industrial engineering and operations research, University of California, Berkeley, and Sydney Skybetter, deputy dean of the College for Curriculum and Co-Curriculum and senior lecturer in theater arts and performance studies, Brown University. IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2023 Costin earned his bachelor’s degree in operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023 During World War II, her father served as director of operations research with the U.S. Army Signal Corps before moving to the University of Illinois. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2023 Schneider competed in six Tournament of Champions games against software developer Andrew He and associate professor of operations research Sam Buttrey. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2022 The coalition recently tapped Robert Leachman, a professor of industrial engineering and operations research at the University of California, Berkeley, to evaluate the port authority’s business plan. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Sep. 2022 The new system uses an existing software system called Vantage to give commanders a real-time look at what is unaccounted for, Scott Forster, an operations research analyst at the Army, said in a briefing with AP. Kristin M. Hall and Justin Pritchard, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Dec. 2021 Sensor nodes have been installed along the vehicle's route, and Ford is working with Quantum Signal AI, which is a Ford subsidiary, to conduct remote operations research. Chanel Stitt, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operations research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operations research was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near operations research

Cite this Entry

“Operations research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operations%20research. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on operations research

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!