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
Construction is set to begin fall 2025 and aims to operational by fall 2026.
—
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
That’s about public safety and operational continuity.
—Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Invite diverse voices into real decision-making — creative, strategic and operational.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
Bakeries remain closed, and community kitchens, though operational, are vastly insufficient to meet overwhelming needs.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for operational
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Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
That’s about public safety and operational continuity.
—Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Invite diverse voices into real decision-making — creative, strategic and operational.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
Bakeries remain closed, and community kitchens, though operational, are vastly insufficient to meet overwhelming needs.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 29 July 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 2 Aug. 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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