1
: the manner of functioning or operating : operation
—usually used in plural
the inner workings of the government
2
: an excavation or group of excavations made in mining, quarrying, or tunneling
—usually used in plural
1
: engaged in work especially for wages or a salary
a working journalist
a working mother
2
: adequate to permit work to be done
a working majority
3
: assumed or adopted to permit or facilitate further work or activity
a working draft
4
: spent at work
working life
5
: being in use or operation
a working farm
Examples of working in a Sentence
Noun
an article about the byzantine workings of the auction business for high-end art
Adjective
There is a good working relationship between the departments.
the working parts of the machine
Recent Examples on the Web
The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
The organization also will focus on social priorities such as better working conditions for farm workers and empowering women.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Planned amenities include a pool deck, fitness center, co-working space and other common areas, according to the developer.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for working
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
If there are extenuating circumstances, a government agency can request an extension and deliver records within 10 business days, and Senate Bill 107 would have increased that time period to 15 working days.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
The organization also will focus on social priorities such as better working conditions for farm workers and empowering women.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The location is tucked inside a nook along South Boulevard that includes the Tabris co-working and event space and Sushi Taku.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Planned amenities include a pool deck, fitness center, co-working space and other common areas, according to the developer.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for working
Cite this Entry
“Working.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
working
2 of 2 adjective1
a
: doing work especially for a living
working people
b
: being in an operating state
a working model
2
: good enough to allow work to be done
a working majority
a working arrangement
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