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operating system
noun
: software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of programs (as by assigning storage space in memory and controlling input and output functions)
Examples of operating system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Upgrading to the latest operating system doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 25 Jan. 2025
Automatic updates for operating systems, browsers and applications significantly enhance your protection level.
5.
—Ashok Manoharan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Check out our iOS 18 roundup for a full list of all the top features of Apple's latest operating system.
—Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
Watson compares that scenario to a computer running on an old operating system.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 18 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near operating system
Cite this Entry
“Operating system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operating%20system. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
operating system
noun
: software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of the user's programs (as by controlling input and output functions)
More from Merriam-Webster on operating system
Nglish: Translation of operating system for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operating system
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