system

noun

sys·​tem ˈsi-stəm How to pronounce system (audio)
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
3
a
: 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 confusionEllen Glasgow
5
: an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment sense 2
usually used with the
systemless adjective
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 But new systems can be old-school, too, often in unseen ways. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024 Two different tracks are possible for a system developing in the Caribbean, DaSilva said. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 With the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into these systems, the landscape is set for another revolution. Bhushan Jayeshkumar Patel, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Air Filters and Vents Most people rely on their HVAC systems to maintain a warm, comfortable home during the winter. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for system 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin systemat-, systema, from Greek systēmat-, systēma, from synistanai to combine, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

circa 1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of system was circa 1638

Dictionary Entries Near system

Cite this Entry

“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

system

noun
sys·​tem ˈsis-təm How to pronounce system (audio)
1
a
: a group of objects or units combined to form a whole and to move or work together
the railroad system
a park system
b
: a group of bodily organs that together carry on one or more vital functions
the digestive system
c
: the body considered as a functional unit
a system weakened by disease
d
: an orderly plan or method of governing or arranging
a democratic system of government
e
: a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
2
a
: a set of ideas or statements that explains the order or functioning of a whole
b
: a method of classifying, representing, or arranging
a decimal system of numbers
systemless adjective

Medical Definition

system

noun
sys·​tem ˈsis-təm How to pronounce system (audio)
1
a
: 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

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