operating system

[ op-uh-rey-ting sis-tuhm ]

noun

, Computers.

1. the collection of software that directs a computer's operations, controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs, and managing storage, input/output, and communication resources. : OS

operating system

noun

1. the set of software that controls the overall operation of a computer system, typically by performing such tasks as memory allocation, job scheduling, and input/output control

operating system

/ ŏp′ə-rā′tĭng /

1. Software designed to handle basic elements of computer operation, such as sending instructions to hardware devices like disk drives and computer screens, and allocating system resources such as memory to different software applications being run. Given uniformly designed operating systems that run on many different computers, developers of software do not need to concern themselves with these problems, and are provided with a standard platform for new programs.

operating system

1. The software that allows computer users to run applications with the hardware of a specific system. Microsoft® Windows® or Apple® Computer's OS are examples of operating systems.

Word History and Origins

Origin of operating system¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

If you get a new computer—or you update your operating system or browser—it’s worth giving yourself a video call dry run to make sure everything is still authorized in advance.

From Popular-Science

Although the keypad incorporates a Mac layout, it’s also compatible with Windows operating systems.

From Popular-Science

The most serious flaw allows unprivileged users to remotely execute code that takes complete control of the underlying operating system.

From Ars Technica

Jobs revolutionized computing when he introduced the iPhone, a product that for the first time transformed a phone into a computer with an independent operating system and a novel keyboard-free interface.

From Washington Post

In June, when Apple unveiled its latest mobile operating system, iOS 14, it made a bombshell announcement that the privacy community applauded.

From Washington Post

If you answered nine or more, you may have won a SONY Betamax and an eight-track operating system.

From The Daily Beast

Like the Scarlett Johansson-voiced operating system in Her, she just became too expansive for you.

From The Daily Beast

The plan is to build a holistic cloud operating system for businesses and individuals, enabling a new generation of work and play.

From The Daily Beast

Nor did Microsoft transform its proprietary operating system into open-source code.

From The Daily Beast

Its prescient move to develop the Android operating system is reaping benefits, as it dominates the smartphone market.

From The Daily Beast

Any program whose name starts with $SYS$ is invisible to the operating system.

From Project Gutenberg

The larger machines will be supplied with some sort of operating system (monitor), either for batch or time-shared operation.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few years these roads had been consolidated into a smoothly operating system.

From Project Gutenberg