global positioning system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical, everyday
Quick answer
What does “global positioning system” mean?
A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.
More broadly, the technology, devices, or services that utilize this satellite network for determining precise geographical coordinates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The acronym 'GPS' is used universally. In formal British writing, 'Global Positioning System' might be spelled out slightly more often. The term 'satnav' (short for satellite navigation) is a common British informal synonym for the device.
Connotations
Identical connotations of technological precision and modern navigation. In both varieties, 'to GPS' as a verb is understood but remains informal.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects due to global technology. The full term is less frequent than the acronym 'GPS' in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “global positioning system” in a Sentence
use [the] GPSfollow the GPSthe GPS shows/indicates/says...navigate by GPSa signal from the GPSVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “global positioning system” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to GPS the exact location of the site.
- The wildlife was GPS-tracked for a year.
American English
- I GPSed the coordinates and shared them with the team.
- They GPS-tagged all the equipment.
adverb
British English
- We navigated GPS-ly through the unfamiliar city streets. (Informal/rare)
- The hiker was found, having travelled GPS-assisted.
American English
- They drove GPS-guided to the destination. (Hyphenated compound)
- The package was tracked GPS-style. (Informal)
adjective
British English
- The GPS coordinates were slightly off.
- We have a GPS unit in the boot.
American English
- The GPS signal dropped out in the canyon.
- Make sure your GPS device is updated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in logistics, fleet management, and location-based services (e.g., 'Integrate GPS tracking for delivery optimization').
Academic
Used in geography, engineering, and earth sciences (e.g., 'The study utilized GPS data for tectonic plate movement analysis').
Everyday
Refers to car or phone navigation (e.g., 'Just plug the address into the GPS').
Technical
Refers to the precise constellation of satellites, signal frequencies, and positioning algorithms (e.g., 'Differential GPS corrects for atmospheric signal delay').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “global positioning system”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “global positioning system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “global positioning system”
- Using 'a GPS' incorrectly with the article when referring to the system (e.g., 'The car uses GPS' not '...uses a GPS', though the latter is common for the device). Confusing 'GPS' with general mobile data or internet connectivity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always pronounced letter-by-letter: 'G-P-S' (/ˌdʒiː.piːˈes/).
Yes, when referring to a physical device (e.g., 'a GPS in my car'), it's standard. When referring to the abstract system or technology, no article is typically used (e.g., 'This app uses GPS').
GPS is the American satellite navigation system. GLONASS is the Russian equivalent. Many modern devices use signals from both constellations for improved accuracy and coverage.
Yes, but it is informal and used primarily in technical or casual contexts (e.g., 'We GPSed the location'). It follows regular verb conjugation (GPSed, GPSing).
A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.
Global positioning system is usually technical, everyday in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be off the GPS grid”
- “to have GPS nose (informal, for good sense of direction without tech)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**G**uides **P**eople **S**afely. Think of a globe with satellites pinpointing your spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIGITAL EYES IN THE SKY / AN ELECTRONIC GUIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'P' in GPS stand for?