plural systems
1
: a group of related parts that move or work together
a system of rivers
railroad systems
a security/telephone/heating system
an alarm system
a stereo/computer system
2
a
: a body of a person or animal thought of as an entire group of parts that work together
—usually singular
The disease affected her entire system.
Greasy foods are not good for your system.
No drugs were found in his system.
b
: a group of organs that work together to perform an important function of the body
the digestive/reproductive/respiratory system
3
: a way of managing, controlling, organizing, or doing something that follows a set of rules or a plan
the legal system
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.
—often + ofthe state's system of education
a democratic system of government
Every religion has its own system of beliefs and practices.
4
disapproving
: a powerful government or social organization that controls people's lives
You can't beat the system.
We spent our youth rebelling against the system.
Cite this Entry
“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/system. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.
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