How to Pronounce Operating

To pronounce "operating", say OP-er-at-ing — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

operating

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying operating, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “operating”

"operating" has 4 syllables: op-er-at-ing. It rhymes with titillating and captivating, if that helps it stick.

What does operating mean?

verb

To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially to take appropriate effect on the human system.

adjective

In operation; that operates.
“Don't touch the operating machinery.”
Involved in an operation.

Hear “operating” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with operating

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

titillating captivating grating deprecating invigorating excruciating exhilarating fascinating exasperating stimulating debilitating fluctuating

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "operating"?▾

"Operating" has 4 syllables: op · er · at · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "operating"?▾

The IPA transcription of "operating" is /ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/.

What does "operating" mean?▾

Operating: To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “operating” in the full dictionary →