system

noun

sys·tem | \ ˈsi-stəm

Definition of system

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

3a : 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 confusion— Ellen Glasgow

5 : an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment sense 2 —usually used with the

Other Words from system Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about system

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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

Facing public pressure over its contribution to plastic pollution in the ocean and the problems with many municipal recycling systems, the beverage industry has released broad statements in recent weeks suggesting a new openness to bottle bills. — Michael Corkery, New York Times, "Beverage Companies Embrace Recycling, Until It Costs Them," 4 July 2019 On Tuesday, a suspected earthquake damaged in the town's water system, and wastewater -- including greywater and sewage -- flowed from a broken pipe into the lake. — Jessie Yeung, CNN, "Residents told don't flush your toilets, as sewage leaks into New Zealand's largest lake," 4 July 2019 With reports surging throughout the system, the tech site Down Detector has received a wave of reports from users in the United States as well as the United Kingdom and Europe. — Patrick May, The Denver Post, "#FacebookDown: Users report issues with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp," 3 July 2019 The Colorado Trail, Colorado Passing through six national forests, six wilderness areas, five major river systems, and eight mountain ranges, The Colorado Trail is a must-see for nature lovers. — Sam Silverman, Health.com, "The 12 Best Bike Trails of 2019 for Summer Activities," 3 July 2019 Public trust in both the federal government and the media is now at a record low, which means that news campaigns designed to correct falsehoods, like The Washington Post’s Pinocchio system, are likely to have diminishing returns. — J.c. Pan, The New Republic, "Democratic Rot and the Origins of American Conspiracism," 3 July 2019 Caltrain is a proof-of-payment system; tickets are not sold aboard trains but can be purchased at station ticket machines. — Patrick May, The Mercury News, "How to get, from San Francisco’s July 4 fireworks spectacular — without a car," 3 July 2019 Because the incident occurred on the Appalachian Trail, which is part of the National Park Service system, Jordan is being prosecuted in federal court. — Karen Chávez, USA TODAY, "Man who allegedly killed war veteran on Appalachian Trail deemed mentally incompetent," 3 July 2019 Since switching to the new pay-by-plate parking system, the city generated $12.5 million in parking revenue for fiscal year 2016 and $12.8 million for fiscal year 2017. — Kat Stafford, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit residents to receive discount on parking tickets," 2 July 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near system

Statistics for system

Last Updated

7 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for system

The first known use of system was circa 1638

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More Definitions for system

system

noun

English Language Learners Definition of system

: 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

See the full definition for system in the English Language Learners Dictionary

system

noun

sys·tem | \ ˈsi-stəm

Kids Definition of system

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.

system

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 system

b : the body considered as a functional unit

2 : a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing a taxonomic system