system

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noun sys·tem \ˈsis-təm\

Definition of system

1 : a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole a number system: such asa (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 systemb (1) : a group of body organs that together perform one or more vital functions the digestive system (2) : the body considered as a functional unitc : a group of related natural objects or forces a river systemd : 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 systeme : a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or eraf : 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
3a : an organized or established procedure the touch system of typingb : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system the decimal system
4 : harmonious arrangement or pattern : order bring system out of confusion — Ellen Glasgow
5 : an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment 2 —usually used with the

systemless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See system defined for English-language learners

See system defined for kids

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 of system from the Web

Both countries urgently need to attend to their crumbling institutions, most importantly their underfunded, unreformed systems of justice and education.

— The Economist, "Reconciliation is not impossible, but it will be a long, slow process," 22 July 2017
Zingales says today’s monopolies are yesterday’s startups, and a healthy system needs to make room for newcomers.

— paula dwyer, Bloomberg.com, "Should America’s Tech Giants Be Broken Up?," 20 July 2017
The Saudi legal system is notoriously opaque; the Saudi Embassy in Washington and the Center for International Communications did not respond to requests for more information.

— adam taylor, Washington Post, "How a video of a woman in a skirt became a global headache for Saudi Arabia," 20 July 2017
Officials conducted air monitoring of the sanitary sewer system and determined the amounts were below explosive levels and the area was safe to residents.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Gas smell in Aberdeen sewer spreads to homes," 20 July 2017
Prosecutors say Vartanyan helped develop, improve, maintain and distribute Citadel, which infects computer systems and steals financial and personal identification information.

— kate brumback, The Seattle Times, "Russian man who helped develop Citadel malware gets 5 years," 19 July 2017
CNBC is reporting Pizza Hut is adding a new system to make predicting the time of deliveries more accurate and reliable.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Pizza Hut to hire 14,000 drivers this year," 18 July 2017
All township trustees members serve on the utility board, which oversees the township's water system.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Trustees question legality of Lockport Township Utility Board," 18 July 2017
Since then, the pursuit of justice has produced a mixed bag of results for the Garner family and a black community that continues to be disappointed with the justice system.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Eric Garner Three Years Later: A Life Remembered," 17 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of system

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1638

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

SYSTEM Defined for English Language Learners

system

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noun

Definition of system for English Language Learners

: a group of related parts that move or work together
: a body of a person or animal thought of as an entire group of parts that work together
: a group of organs that work together to perform an important function of the body

SYSTEM Defined for Kids

system

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noun sys·tem \ˈsi-stəm\

Definition of system for Students

1 : a group of parts combined to form a whole that works or moves as a unit a heating system A system of ropes and pulleys carried the baskets of stone … up to the ramparts. — Brian Jacques, Redwall
2 : a body that functions as a whole The disease weakened his entire system.
3 : a group of organs that together perform an important function in the body the nervous system
4 : an orderly way of managing, controlling, organizing, or doing something a democratic system of government Dad has a system for planting a garden.

Medical Dictionary

system

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noun sys·tem \ˈsis-təm\

Medical Definition of system

1a: 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 systemb: the body considered as a functional unit
2: a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system