operating system

noun

: software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of programs (as by assigning storage space in memory and controlling input and output functions)

Examples of operating system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Productivity & Content Creation Tests Our Mac testing isn't an exact copy of our Windows testing protocols, due to the differences in operating system, chip architecture, and software catalog. Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 In classical computing, different vendors specialize in different components like chips, operating systems and applications. Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The firm developed HarmonyOS, its own mobile operating system, and recently launched HarmonyOS NEXT, which marks Huawei’s separation from the Android ecosystem. Alena Botros, Fortune Asia, 1 Nov. 2024 As Apple pushes its version of the technology, Google is building AI into its Android operating system and forcing everyone to look at AI Overviews at the top of virtually every Google Search. Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for operating system 

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operating system was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near operating system

Cite this Entry

“Operating system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operating%20system. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

operating system

noun
: software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of the user's programs (as by controlling input and output functions)

More from Merriam-Webster on operating system

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