GPS

1 of 2

noun

ˌjē-(ˌ)pē-ˈes How to pronounce GPS (audio)
: a navigational system using satellite signals to fix the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface
also : the radio receiver so used

GPS

2 of 2

abbreviation

gallons per second

Examples of GPS in a Sentence

Noun The car comes with GPS.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Features include modern safety technology, air conditioning, GPS and parking sensors, while maintaining the vintage appearance. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 That led to the district enabling GPS tracking on school buses. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Download trail maps ahead of time on your hiking navigation app, and also download an offline map of your driving route on your phone’s GPS navigation app. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Note that because the GPS improvements are software-based, the Pixel Watch 4 will get the same accuracy boost via an update. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for GPS

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Global Positioning System

First Known Use

Noun

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of GPS was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

G protein
GPS
GPU
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“GPS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GPS. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

GPS

noun
ˌjē-ˌpē-ˈes
: a navigation system that uses satellite signals to find the location of a radio receiver on or above the earth's surface
also : a radio receiver used in a GPS system
Etymology

Noun

Global Positioning System

More from Merriam-Webster on GPS

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about GPS

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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