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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for operating system 

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operating system was in 1961

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

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