system
noun
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
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Other Words from system
systemless
\ ˈsi-stəm-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
In the 60 years since, the playoff system has been fluid to say the least. — Jason Frakes, The Courier-Journal, "The KHSAA changed the playoff format for football. Here's what you need to know," 15 Aug. 2019 No system is impregnable, but North Korea’s new missiles appear designed to find one of the biggest gaps in Seoul’s armor. — Simon Denyer, Washington Post, "Fast, low and hard to stop: North Korea’s missile tests crank up the threat level," 15 Aug. 2019 The magnificent ring system of Saturn is between 10 meters and one kilometer thick. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, "A brief astronomical history of Saturn’s amazing rings," 14 Aug. 2019 The system is causing unhealthy air quality, especially for sensitive groups like those with asthma and children, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a second straight Spare the Air day alert. — Joseph Geha, The Mercury News, "Hot desert air mass driving up Bay Area temperatures, heat advisory in effect," 14 Aug. 2019 Ludger Breloh, Seleggt's managing director, says that the system is sorting up to 3000 eggs an hour in a Dutch hatchery. — Gretchen Vogel, Science | AAAS, "‘Ethical’ eggs could save male chicks from mass slaughter," 14 Aug. 2019 The systems are sophisticated, capable of measuring sounds with very specific wavelengths and eliminating firecrackers and backfiring automobiles, police Chief Calvin Williams told the Safety Committee. — Robert Higgs, cleveland.com, "Cleveland considers shot sensor technology to help police pinpoint location of gunfire," 14 Aug. 2019 That’s because, over the past few years, the system of treaties that supports the world’s security architecture has been unraveling along with the diplomatic ties between Russia and the West. — Simon Shuster / Berlin, Time, "What a Deadly Nuclear Explosion In Russia Tells Us About the World's New Arms Race," 14 Aug. 2019 Gibraltar's system is part of more than $1 million in security upgrades the district is completing with bond money approved by voters in 2017. — John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, "School security cameras add facial recognition software," 12 Aug. 2019These 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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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.