operational
adjective
op·er·a·tion·al
ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 
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
The question now is how much more hollowing out Americans will tolerate, and whether the nation’s self-correcting mechanisms are still operational.
—
Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
And the group lacks operational expertise needed to keep Applebee’s and IHOP relevant with younger demographics who are driving casual dining’s current revival.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a record of decision on Wednesday approving SpaceX's plan to more than double the number of Falcon 9 launches from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40), the busiest of the company's four operational launch pads.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.
—Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operational
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Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
And the group lacks operational expertise needed to keep Applebee’s and IHOP relevant with younger demographics who are driving casual dining’s current revival.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a record of decision on Wednesday approving SpaceX's plan to more than double the number of Falcon 9 launches from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40), the busiest of the company's four operational launch pads.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.
—Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operational
Cite this Entry
“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operational. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
operational
adjective
op·er·a·tion·al
ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shnəl
-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
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