operating-system
/ˈɒp.ər.eɪ.tɪŋ ˈsɪs.təm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The main software that runs a computer or phone. It manages the device's memory, files, and apps.
- Windows is an operating system.
- I updated my operating system yesterday.
- Which operating system does your laptop use?
Adinary Nuance
An operating system is not the same as an app or program. It is the base software that controls the whole device, while apps run on top of it. Use it when you mean the platform itself, like Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hệ điều hành
- Spanish
- sistema operativo
- Chinese
- 操作系统
- Japanese
- オペレーティングシステム
- Korean
- 운영 체제
Etymology
Operating system became common in computing in the mid-20th century. It combines operating, from Latin operari meaning "to work," and system, from Greek systema meaning "a whole made of parts."
Common phrases
operating system updateoperating system versionmobile operating systemdesktop operating system
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is an operating system the same as an app
- No. An operating system runs the device, and an app runs on top of it.
- Is operating system formal or common in everyday English
- It is a common technical term. People use it in everyday talk about phones and computers.
- What are some examples of operating systems
- Common examples are Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.