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

In this future, the scarce asset would be not the chatbot, but the device, operating system, and personal context through which the chatbot becomes useful. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

At Microsoft’s event in San Francisco last week, the company reiterated its vision for Windows as the operating system of the future, albeit one primarily for developers, enthusiasts, and gamers. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

The second is whether our operating systems can absorb that growth without weakening existing relationships. — Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

The object being managed expands from the team to the human-agent operating system. — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 8 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)