noun

CMS

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CMS (noun) means Software that lets people create, edit and publish the text and images on a website through an ordinary editing screen, without writing code or touching files on the server. Example: “Our writers add articles in the CMS and press publish; nobody needs a developer.”

noun

technical Software that lets people create, edit and publish the text and images on a website through an ordinary editing screen, without writing code or touching files on the server.

"Our writers add articles in the CMS and press publish; nobody needs a developer."

"The site was moved onto a new CMS over the weekend."

How to use CMS

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe tool a team uses to write and update the pages on their website.

When to use it

Common in marketing, publishing and software work; spell out content management system on first mention for a general readership.

Memory tip

A CMS separates the content from the design, so the same article can be restyled or reused without being rewritten.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

CRM website builder static site generator

Common pairings

headless CMS CMS platform migrate the CMS log into the CMS enterprise CMS

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “CMS” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Our writers add articles in the _____ and press publish; nobody needs a developer.

Etymology

An initialism of content management system.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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content management system publishing platform website builder editorial system

Antonyms

static site hand-coded site

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a CMS and a CRM?

A CMS manages the content published on a website. A CRM — customer relationship management — manages records about customers and the dealings a business has with them. The initialisms look similar but the two systems do unrelated jobs.

What does headless CMS mean?

A headless CMS stores and manages content but does not produce the web pages itself. It hands the content to other systems through an interface, so the same content can appear on a website, an app and a screen in a shop.

Do you need a CMS to have a website?

No. Pages can be written directly as files and uploaded. A CMS becomes useful when non-technical people need to update content regularly or when a site has many pages that share a structure.

What is the meaning of CMS?

"CMS" (noun) means software that lets people create, edit and publish the text and images on a website through an ordinary editing screen, without writing code or touching files on the server.