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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Mechanicals The systems inside the walls and ceilings such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC that essentially power the home. — Brett Martin, House Beautiful, "See The Definitions Of Common Renovation Terms," 26 Dec. 2018 The Boring Company sold a bunch of Not-A-Flamethrowers before landing contracts with several municipalities to try out new systems of transit and ended the year with a party celebrating the opening of its test tunnel. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, "Elon Musk is the first influencer CEO," 21 Dec. 2018 Two years later, in 2006, Jen and Sarah adopted those three siblings from the Texas foster system: Marcus, then seven, Hannah, four, and Abigail, two. — Glamour, "Broken Harts, Episode 2: 'If Not Us, Who?'," 11 Dec. 2018 Gyres are circulating systems of ocean currents that tend to collect pollution, and the North Pacific Gyre has become emblematic of the global plastic crisis. — Tyler Wetherall, Condé Nast Traveler, "The All-Women Sailing Crew Trying to Save the Ocean of Plastic," 27 Nov. 2018 Our experiments were looking at how architecture might respond to these trends through the development of new systems of construction that allowed more flexibility than the traditional methods. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "How the Archigram architectural collective, profiled in a comprehensive new book, designed for a more radical, and random, future," 26 Nov. 2018 The system will also bring strong winds and snowfall to New England. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Winter Storm Bruce Is Heading to the Northeast After Pounding the Midwest," 26 Nov. 2018 Here are some other exotic phenomena that could leave anomalous trails in MoEDAL’s detection system. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 The bill applies only to the federal prison system, which has about 180,785 inmates and makes up a small percentage of the U.S. jail and prison population. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "Senate Passes Landmark Criminal-Justice Overhaul Bill in Bipartisan Vote," 18 Dec. 2018

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about system

Dictionary Entries near system

Statistics for system

Last Updated

6 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for system

The first known use of system was circa 1638

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

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