Jump to:

• global positioning system
  global positioning system

  noun

  a system of earth-orbiting satellites, transmitting signals continuously towards the earth, that enables the position of a receiving device on or near the earth's surface to be accurately estimated from the difference in arrival times of the signals
• Global Positioning System
  Global Positioning System

  A system of satellites combined with receivers on the Earth that determines the latitude and longitude of any particular receiver through triangulation. The distance of the receiver to three of the satellites is ascertained by measuring the time-delay of a predetermined radio signal (called a pseudo-random code). Errors in timing can be corrected by checking the signals against the signal from a fourth satellite. Current systems can pinpoint the location of the receiver with an accuracy of around 5 m (16 ft). The system is used for navigation, surveying, and many other applications.

global positioning system

British  

noun

1.  GPS.  a system of earth-orbiting satellites, transmitting signals continuously towards the earth, that enables the position of a receiving device on or near the earth's surface to be accurately estimated from the difference in arrival times of the signals

---

Global Positioning System Scientific  

/ glō′bəl /

1. A system of satellites combined with receivers on the Earth that determines the latitude and longitude of any particular receiver through triangulation. The distance of the receiver to three of the satellites is ascertained by measuring the time-delay of a predetermined radio signal (called a pseudo-random code). Errors in timing can be corrected by checking the signals against the signal from a fourth satellite. Current systems can pinpoint the location of the receiver with an accuracy of around 5 m (16 ft). The system is used for navigation, surveying, and many other applications.

2. Compare loran

---

global positioning system Cultural  

1. A U.S. military satellite system now available for public use that allows those with a GPS receiver to locate their position on the surface of the Earth to within a few feet. A constellation of twenty-four satellites orbits the Earth, each of which transmits a radio signal giving both location of the satellite and the time of the transmission. Triangulation of three separate signals is then used by the receiver to determine its position on the Earth's surface.

---

Example Sentences

Designed by the Pentagon in the 1970s to support military operations, the Global Positioning System has evolved into an indispensable utility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

GPS - the Global Positioning System - comprises many small satellites orbiting the Earth.

From Science Daily • Oct. 9, 2025

Space Force-managed Global Positioning System, and has military uses including missile guidance.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2022

Satellites help run the internet and television and are central to the Global Positioning System.

From Salon • May 21, 2022

At the time, the government was opening up its Global Positioning System for civilian use, and the two men saw possibilities.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2019