OEM

noun

ˌō-(ˌ)ē-ˈem 

: one that produces complex equipment (such as a computer system) from components usually bought from other manufacturers

Examples of OEM in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Money matters Microsoft’s latest quarterly report, released this week, paints a less encouraging picture of its Windows OEM business. — ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026

Microsoft blames the revenue drop on the benefit of Windows 10 end of support during the prior year, as well as OEM inventory drawdowns and a weaker PC market. — Tom Warren, The Verge, 28 Oct. 2026

Adoption has been slower in industries with smaller, mixed-brand fleets, such as real estate, home services and specialty contracting, where integrating multiple OEM platforms often outweighs near-term gains. — Stacey Moser, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Just two years ago, Microsoft launched its Copilot+ PC brand to identify AI-first computers with exclusive artificial intelligence features, but that wording is nowhere to be found on recent Microsoft devices or OEM products. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

original equipment manufacturer

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above