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

Researchers must ensure their mathematical models accurately represent real processors and operating systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

That system is the Legora aOS, our agentic operating system for legal work. — Max Junestrand, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Spotify announced Wednesday the launch of its next-generation, fully native in-car app, built directly on Google’s Android Automotive operating system. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

What started more than 30 years ago as a fork of NetBSD has grown into one of the most security-conscious operating systems in active development. — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

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)