operationaladj.1. of or pertaining to operations; as, operational procedure.()2. Fit or ready for service; available and in working condition; as, an operational aircraft. Opposite of out-of-service.()3. (Mil.) of or intended for or involved in military operations. Opposite of nonoperational.()4. In force; not expired or annulled; -- of rules or laws.()de facto apartheid still operational even in the `new' African nations (Leslie Marmon Silko)