non·operating \(ˈ) ̷ ̷ at non-+\adjective Etymology:non- (I) + operating : not operating: as a.: of or relating to railroad employees (as telegraph operators, train dispatchers, signalmen) not directly engaged in train operation < nonoperating unions > < nonoperating railroad workers > b.: arising from the minor operations of a business : auxiliary, supplementary < nonoperating profits >