system

noun

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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 Phrases Containing system Learn More About system

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 This ventilation system is what sets the Solo Stove apart from other fire pits. — Heath Owens, Popular Mechanics, 2 Aug. 2022 The federal student loan system is a dizzying array of repayment plans and forgiveness programs with rules that can be difficult to navigate. — Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2022 His flat top grill is set to 450 degrees, and owner Mary Gail Hamby Ray swears that the temperature in that corner of her tiny restaurant isn’t much lower given that the AC system, even on its good days, is no match against the Texas heat. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2022 Then there is the question of how customizable a vehicle’s alert system should be. — John Seabrook, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2022 What this new system created in the subsequent decades was a patchwork of markets across much of the country with different regional operators, leaving state regulators and power grid managers to do much of the planning. — Christopher M. Matthews, WSJ, 30 July 2022 The central-kitchen system has been an impediment to taste, despite quality ingredients and menus that meet or surpass federal guidelines. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2022 The federal student loan system is a dizzying array of repayment plans and forgiveness programs with rules that can be difficult to navigate. — Danielle Douglas-gabriel, Anchorage Daily News, 30 July 2022 Importantly, this system is asynchronous; users come and go at their leisure. — PCMAG, 27 July 2022 See More

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

systaltic

system

systematic

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Last Updated

4 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for system

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