Global Positioning System

noun

: gps

Examples of Global Positioning System in a Sentence

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China’s BeiDou system comprises 56 satellites, offering more resilient and occasionally more advanced capabilities than the 31 powering the US’ Global Positioning System. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 At the time, GPS — the Global Positioning System, a constellation of satellites that provide location and time to receivers on Earth, courtesy of the American taxpayer — was still relatively niche for everyday people. — Katherine Dunn, Washington Post, 5 July 2026 The data is fairly precise, measured to within 3 meters every 2 minutes based on the Global Positioning System, Bluetooth beacons, cell phone towers and local wifi networks. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The missile system features an inertial navigation system (INS) and mid-course Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Global Positioning System

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Global Positioning System was in 1973

Rhymes for Global Positioning System

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Browse Nearby Words

globalize
Global Positioning System
global village
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Cite this Entry

“Global Positioning System.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Global%20Positioning%20System. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Global Positioning System

noun
: GPS

More from Merriam-Webster on Global Positioning System

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Global Positioning System

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