GPS

1 of 2

noun

ˌjē-(ˌ)pē-ˈes 

: a navigational system using satellite signals to fix the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface

also : the radio receiver so used

GPS

2 of 2

abbreviation

gallons per second

Examples of GPS in a Sentence

Noun

The car comes with GPS.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The persistent jamming and spoofing activity in the region also poses key public safety concerns, according to Lisa Dyer, executive director of the GPS Innovation Alliance. —Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026

Then Gehry sold the company in 2014 to Trimble, a firm specializing in high-stakes translation between digital models and physical positioning, with deep roots in military GPS, petroleum extraction, and infrastructure development. —Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Bleeding from the bite, Barbu grabbed her running poles to drive the dog away, then used her GPS tracker to call for help. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Trails are not well-signed, and GPS or a map is essential. —Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Global Positioning System

First Known Use

Noun

1974, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

GPS

noun

ˌjē-ˌpē-ˈes

: a navigation system that uses satellite signals to find the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface

also : a radio receiver used in a GPS system

Etymology

Noun

Global Positioning System