system
noun
sys·tem ˈsi-stəm 
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
systemless
ˈsi-stəm-ləs
adjective 
Synonyms
- complex
- network
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 The system is expected to unleash historic rainfall of up to 30 inches, widespread flooding and dangerous mudslides, forecasters said. USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2022 The artillery rocket system is built only at Lockheed's installation in south Arkansas, according to Aaron Huckaby, site director of Lockheed's Camden operations. Lisa Hammersly, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2022 Iceland's budding economic system was based on Norway's. Francine Russo, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and park off the coast of Northern California, producing gusty ridgetop winds before rains set in late Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Becky Bohrer, Mark Thiessen And John Antczak, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Sep. 2022 This comes as a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and sit off the northern California coastline, producing winds and rains on Saturday. Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and park off the coast of Northern California, producing gusty ridgetop winds before rains set in late Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Becky Bohrer, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 An upper level low system moving south from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to stay mostly offshore this weekend, drying up what was supposed to be a damp Saturday. oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2022 The storm system expected over the weekend is expected to be less intense but could bring isolated thunderstorms, Rowe said. Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 See More
USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2022 The artillery rocket system is built only at Lockheed's installation in south Arkansas, according to Aaron Huckaby, site director of Lockheed's Camden operations. Lisa Hammersly, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2022 Iceland's budding economic system was based on Norway's. Francine Russo, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and park off the coast of Northern California, producing gusty ridgetop winds before rains set in late Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Becky Bohrer, Mark Thiessen And John Antczak, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Sep. 2022 This comes as a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and sit off the northern California coastline, producing winds and rains on Saturday. Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, a low-pressure system was expected to drop from the Gulf of Alaska and park off the coast of Northern California, producing gusty ridgetop winds before rains set in late Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Becky Bohrer, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 An upper level low system moving south from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to stay mostly offshore this weekend, drying up what was supposed to be a damp Saturday. oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2022 The storm system expected over the weekend is expected to be less intense but could bring isolated thunderstorms, Rowe said. Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Late Latin systemat-, systema, from Greek systēmat-, systēma, from synistanai to combine, from syn- + histanai to cause to stand — more at stand
First Known Use
circa 1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing system
Kids Definition
system
noun
sys·tem ˈsi-stəm
1
: a group of parts combined to form a whole that works or moves as a unit
a heating system
A system of ropes and pulleys carried the baskets of stone … up to the ramparts. Brian Jacques, Redwall
Brian Jacques, Redwall2
: a body that functions as a whole
The disease weakened his entire system.
3
: a group of organs that together perform an important function in the body
the nervous system
4
: an orderly way of managing, controlling, organizing, or doing something
a democratic system of government
Dad has a system for planting a garden.
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
system
noun
1
as in network
something made up of many interdependent or related parts the national highway system allows travel from one end of the country to the other the democratic system of checks and balances in government Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- network
- complex
- series
- whole
- web
- totality
- supersystem
- conglomerate
- plexus
- aggregate
- mesh
- sequence
- interlacement
- net
- meshwork
2
as in plan
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective if you're going to wrap all these presents in one afternoon, you'll need a system Synonyms & Similar Words
- plan
- strategy
- program
- blueprint
- scheme
- project
- design
- arrangement
- master plan
- game
- proposal
- procedure
- way
- game plan
- ground plan
- idea
- device
- road map
- technique
- recipe
- protocol
- means
- policy
- purpose
- collusion
- platform
- intention
- plot
- gambit
- setup
- intent
- maneuver
- conspiracy
- tactic
- conception
- formula
- stratagem
- ruse
- contrivance
- map
- subterfuge
- counterplan
- counterstrategy
- aim
- diagram
- trick
- layout
- pattern
- projet
- specific(s)
- specification(s)
3
as in method
the means or procedure for doing something not the best system perhaps, but it gets the job done Synonyms & Similar Words
- method
- approach
- strategy
- methodology
- way
- technique
- how
- manner
- style
- recipe
- tactics
- process
- program
- plan
- form
- mode
- model
- scheme
- tack
- fashion
- policy
- route
- design
- blueprint
- game
- practice
- layout
- routine
- ground plan
- move
- plot
- line
- game plan
- shift
- expedient
- step
- modus operandi
- intrigue
- practise
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of system are fashion, manner, method, mode, and way. While all these words mean "the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end," system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.
a filing system
While in some cases nearly identical to system, fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.
rushing about in his typical fashion
Manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.
an odd manner of conducting
The words method and system can be used in similar contexts, but method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.
effective teaching methods
The meanings of mode and system largely overlap; however, mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.
the preferred mode of transportation
The words way and system are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.
has her own way of doing things