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

Keeping your operating system and security tools updated also closes security gaps that criminals exploit to gather personal data. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025

The good news is that unlike phones, that can have their operating systems become obsolete, telescopes, drones and the like don't automatically become less useful. —Chris McMullen, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2025

Finally, Google has a strong foothold in the devices sector—where many think the future fight for AI dominance will play out—thanks to Pixel phones and long involvement in the Android operating system. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025

The creative operating system What makes Cohen’s results consistently exceptional isn’t just technical skill or artistic vision in isolation. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

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)