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 Learn More about system

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Synonyms for system

Synonyms

complex,
network

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 States would have more time to launch same-day voter registration at polling places and to comply with new voting system requirements. — Lisa Mascaro, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell poised for starring role in upcoming voting bill fight," 10 May 2021 The Colonial Pipeline, which operates a 5,500-mile system, said it was forced to halt fuel transport from the Gulf Coast to the New York metro area. — Q.ai - Investing Reimagined, Forbes, "Gorman-Rupp Co Among Today’s Top Buys As Energy Stocks Lead And Tech Lags Following Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack," 10 May 2021 But critics say Tesla’s system is easy to fool and can take as long as a minute to shut down. — Tom Krisher, ajc, "NTSB: Tesla owner got into driver's seat before deadly crash," 10 May 2021 Colonial operates a 5,500-mile pipeline system that brings gasoline and diesel from the Gulf Coast to the New York area. — James Rundle, WSJ, "How Can Companies Cope with Ransomware?," 9 May 2021 For that small, isolated population, a wide-ranging system of cooperation was mutually beneficial and simple to maintain. — David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, "Whatever happened to the ‘ton of gold’ ship that kickstarted the Klondike Gold Rush?," 9 May 2021 The 911 system would be able to refer callers to mental health crisis teams when appropriate under this legislation. — Star Tribune, "What's included in the DFL's proposed police reform package," 8 May 2021 The health care system can also be overly-complicated, redundant and at times unaccountable. — Karen Finney, CNN, "I survived brain surgery--and the American health care system," 7 May 2021 For those commendable purposes, the FOID system is right on target. — Steve Chapman, chicagotribune.com, "Column: An Illinois court takes an extreme view of the Second Amendment," 7 May 2021

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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Last Updated

12 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system. Accessed 18 May. 2021.

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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