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
3
a
: 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
Ellen Glasgow5
: an organized society or social situation regarded as stultifying or oppressive : establishment sense 2
—usually used with the
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Options include a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, wireless device charging, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a power rear-window sunshade and manual rear side-window sunshades.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
For comparison, the Edifier D32 supports Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, can be set up in a multi-room audio system, and has a companion app.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Proponents of the measure said a ward system would allow for more responsive local government by forcing council members to train their focus on a smaller portion of the city of 115,000.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Those matches essentially establish a direct link between the cylinder seal system and the invention of writing.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for system 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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James Raia, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
For comparison, the Edifier D32 supports Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, can be set up in a multi-room audio system, and has a companion app.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Proponents of the measure said a ward system would allow for more responsive local government by forcing council members to train their focus on a smaller portion of the city of 115,000.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Those matches essentially establish a direct link between the cylinder seal system and the invention of writing.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for system
Dictionary Entries Near system
Cite this Entry
“System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
system
noun
sys·tem
ˈsis-təm 
1
a
: a group of objects or units combined to form a whole and to move or work together
the railroad system
a park system
b
: a group of bodily organs that together carry on one or more vital functions
the digestive system
c
: the body considered as a functional unit
a system weakened by disease
d
: an orderly plan or method of governing or arranging
a democratic system of government
e
: a major division of rocks usually larger than a series and including all formed during a period or era
2
a
: a set of ideas or statements that explains the order or functioning of a whole
b
: a method of classifying, representing, or arranging
a decimal system of numbers
Medical Definition
system
noun
sys·tem
ˈsis-təm
1
a
: a group of body organs or structures that together perform one or more vital functions see circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, limbic system, nervous system, reproductive system, respiratory system
b
: the body considered as a functional unit
2
: a manner of classifying, symbolizing, or schematizing
a taxonomic system
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