system

noun

sys·​tem ˈsi-stəm How to pronounce system (audio)
1
: a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole
a number system
: such as
a(1)
: a group of interacting bodies under the influence of related forces
a gravitational system
(2)
: an assemblage of substances that is in or tends to equilibrium
a thermodynamic system
b(1)
: a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions
the digestive system
(2)
: the body considered as a functional unit
c
: a group of related natural objects or forces
a river system
d
: a group of devices or artificial objects or an organization forming a network especially for distributing something or serving a common purpose
a telephone system
a heating system
a highway system
a computer system
e
: a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
f
: a form of social, economic, or political organization or practice
the capitalist system
2
: an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole
the Newtonian system of mechanics
3
a
: an organized or established procedure
the touch system of typing
b
: a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing
a taxonomic system
the decimal system
4
: harmonious arrangement or pattern : order
bring system out of confusionEllen Glasgow
5
: an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment sense 2
usually used with the
systemless adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for system

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Examples of system in a Sentence

The players like the coach's system. Under the new system, students will have to pass an exam to graduate. She devised a new filing system. We need a better system for handling incoming e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web According to the prosecution, Monica forwarded the log in credentials and user manual for her security system to Robert Baker on the same day it was upgraded. Gabriella Demirdjian, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024 Recognizing that the American financial system remains highly inaccessible to his peers, Washington also co-founded a non-profit bank. Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 In the years leading up to the year 2000, rumors swirled about a bug that would wreak havoc on computer systems around the world. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Many users also found the Dueling Rockets set-up to have a sturdier base and easier rocket loading system. Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 That's reassuring news for the flying public as answers to what happened could ensure new safety systems to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again. Greg Palkot, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 Both are superb looks at the justice system, as well as issues of jurisprudence, witness credibility, and how misogyny and bias can shape the outcome of a case. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 The store had switched from an official payroll system to paper checks from Jones. Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 Among the estate’s other creature comforts are an elevator, a comprehensive home automation system, and a whole-house generator. Mark David, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin systemat-, systema, from Greek systēmat-, systēma, from synistanai to combine, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

circa 1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of system was circa 1638

Dictionary Entries Near system

Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

system

noun
sys·​tem ˈsis-təm How to pronounce system (audio)
1
a
: a group of objects or units combined to form a whole and to move or work together
the railroad system
a park system
b
: a group of bodily organs that together carry on one or more vital functions
the digestive system
c
: the body considered as a functional unit
a system weakened by disease
d
: an orderly plan or method of governing or arranging
a democratic system of government
e
: a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
2
a
: a set of ideas or statements that explains the order or functioning of a whole
b
: a method of classifying, representing, or arranging
a decimal system of numbers
systemless adjective

Medical Definition

system

noun
sys·​tem ˈsis-təm How to pronounce system (audio)
1
a
: a group of body organs or structures that together perform one or more vital functions see circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, limbic system, nervous system, reproductive system, respiratory system
b
: the body considered as a functional unit
2
: a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing
a taxonomic system

More from Merriam-Webster on system

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!