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

Andrew Cunningham & Lee Hutchinson Senior Technology Reporter Andrew is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica, with a focus on consumer tech including computer hardware and in-depth reviews of operating systems like Windows and macOS. —Ars Technica, 15 Mar. 2025

Mercedes' latest operating system is smartphone-like in its appearance and operation—more Apple than Samsung. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

The industries that once dismissed open-source models—whether operating systems, finance or healthcare—have all been forced to adapt. —Robert Clark, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Using the Mac Studio: AI and the Apple Advantage The 2025 Mac Studio also gets updated with macOS Sequoia, the most recent version of the operating system. —PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for operating system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

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)