# GPS

/ˈɡipiˈɛs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gps
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the navigation system

noun · CEFR A2

Stands for Global Positioning System. A system of satellites that helps you find your exact position on Earth.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Global Positioning System. A network of satellites and receiving devices used to determine the precise location of something on Earth.

- The pilot used the GPS to stay on course during the long flight.
- Modern agriculture relies heavily on the GPS to guide automated machinery across vast fields with centimetre-level precision.

Usage: Usually used with 'the' when referring to the system as a whole.

### 2. a physical device

noun · CEFR A2

a small electronic device or a phone app that shows you maps and directions.

For teachers: A physical receiver or software application that processes satellite signals to provide navigation data.

- I bought a new GPS for my car because my old one was too slow.
- The hiker checked his handheld GPS to ensure he hadn't strayed from the marked trail in the dense fog.

Usage: Often used as a countable noun when referring to the device itself.

### 3. to track or find

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to find the position of someone or something using satellite technology.

For teachers: To determine or track the geographic location of an object or person using a global positioning system.

- The company can GPS their delivery trucks to see where they are.
- Logistics firms now GPS every container in real-time to provide customers with accurate arrival estimates.

Usage: Transitive verb; takes a direct object.

## Examples

- I use the GPS on my phone to find the restaurant.
- The driver missed the turn because the GPS signal was weak between the tall buildings.
- Modern logistics companies rely on GPS to monitor their fleets in real time, ensuring that delivery schedules are met and fuel consumption is minimized through optimized routing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.