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 However, the iPhone maker does reveal that the new upgrade patches issues in the Kernel at the heart of the iOS operating system and in WebKit, the engine that underpins the Safari browser. Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The flawed software update affected computers running Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Jordan Novet,leslie Josephs, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 Windows 11 Pro adds even more value by giving you a sleek and fast operating system that’s ready for both everyday use and more complex professional tasks. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 The new kind of citizen might happen to reside in Tokyo or Los Angeles or São Paulo, but would live by the dictates of an operating system in the cloud. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for operating system 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operating 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

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operating system was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near operating system

Cite this Entry

“Operating system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operating%20system. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on operating system

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