operational

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce operational (audio)
Synonyms of operationalnext
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.
The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026 SpiceJet said its subsidiary SpiceTech develops in-house software for customers and operational systems, allowing the airline to cut nearly 80% of its technology vendors and reduce expenses. Sydney Goh, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 Vessels en route to Salalah will continue to call at the port, but operational delays are expected. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026 This was the third launch of operational satellites for Amazon’s broadband internet constellation, which is seeking to become a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink service. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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)

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