noun

operating system

OP-uh-ray-ting SISS-tuhm

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Operating system (noun) means the main piece of software on a computer or phone that starts up first, manages the hardware such as the screen, memory and storage, and provides the shared services that all other programs rely on to run. Example: “The laptop shipped with an older operating system, so a few of the apps refused to install.”

noun

The main piece of software on a computer or phone that starts up first, manages the hardware such as the screen, memory and storage, and provides the shared services that all other programs rely on to run.

"The laptop shipped with an older operating system, so a few of the apps refused to install."

"Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS are all operating systems."

computing A particular named version or release of such software, treated as a product in its own right.

"Support for that operating system ends next year, so the office machines are being upgraded."

How to use operating system

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe software that runs your computer or phone and lets everything else on it work.

When to use it

Everyday in technology contexts; the abbreviation OS is common in writing and speech.

Memory tip

OS is pronounced as two letters, oh-ess, and takes the same article as the letter sound: an OS.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

application → firmware → browser → kernel →

Common pairings

operating system update mobile operating system install an operating system operating system version

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The laptop shipped with an older _____, so a few of the apps refused to install.

Etymology

A compound of operating, from operate, and system; in use in computing from the era of early mainframes, when the software that operated the machine was distinguished from the programs run on it.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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OS system software platform distribution

Related words

program collection mouth distribution platform delivery publication bone

Rhymes for operating system

system ecosystem

See all rhymes for operating system →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an operating system and an application?

An operating system is the layer underneath everything else: it controls the hardware and hands out memory, storage and processor time. An application is an individual program that asks the operating system for those resources in order to do one job, such as editing photographs or reading email.

Is Chrome an operating system?

The Chrome web browser is an application, not an operating system. ChromeOS is a separate product and is an operating system, built around that browser but responsible for managing the machine itself.

Do phones have operating systems?

Yes. Android and iOS are operating systems, doing the same job on a phone that Windows or macOS does on a computer: starting the device, managing hardware and running apps.

What is the meaning of operating system?

"operating system" (noun) means the main piece of software on a computer or phone that starts up first, manages the hardware such as the screen, memory and storage, and provides the shared services that all other programs rely on to run.

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program collection mouth distribution platform delivery publication bone