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

Anthropic has said Mythos has already detected thousands of severe vulnerabilities across every major operating system and web browser, some undetected for decades. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2020 alleging that Google’s Android operating system caused Android mobile devices to transfer information to Google without users’ permission. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Android, largely designed by Google, is the primary operating system for smart phones. —Daniel Munoz, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Millions of Android users could be eligible for a payment under a $135 million class-action settlement over allegations that Google's operating system caused mobile devices to send data without users' permission. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 14 Apr. 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)