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Glite Dictionary
Windows

Windows

533 2.8
A program made by Microsoft that runs on personal computers and shows boxes and icons on the screen
  • proper noun
  • /ˈwɪndoʊz/
: Windows
  • Going from that operating system to Windows is quite a jump.

Going from that operating system to Windows is quite a jump.

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Examples

  • It supports apps for Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS.

  • This keyboard works for Android, Windows, Chrome OS and Apple.

  • OK, so first thing I have is Windows Explorer.

  • We can actually play Windows games via parallel on a Mac.

    Austin Evans

  • Here I'm selecting the Windows default NTFS format.

  • It says first download the Windows Asus Flash recovery tool.

  • I installed the latest version of Windows on my laptop yesterday.

  • Many software applications are compatible with Windows operating systems.

  • She prefers using Windows for gaming because of its extensive game library.

Synonyms

OS
vsWindows
  • Specialized
120 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets programs run

is the branded Microsoft product with a graphical interface for personal computers
operating system
vsWindows
  • Specialized
100 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets other programs run

is the branded Microsoft product with a graphical interface for personal computers

Surface Forms

Windows main

Morphology

Windows = window (semi-transparent) = window + s

Formally 'window' + plural '-s' is clear, but the sense as a Microsoft product name (an operating system) is a brand-specific/metaphorical use not directly derivable by learners.

Etymology

Windows comes from the common word window, which means 'an opening you look through'. The name was chosen because the computer software shows many small 'windows' or boxes on the screen so you can see different things at the same time, which is why the system is called Windows.