GPS

Meanings

1. 1abbreviationuncountable

   A satellite-based system that works out where a device is on the surface of the Earth.

   Grammar: Takes no article for the technology: we use GPS; it can also name a receiver: a GPS.

   Patterns

   • use GPS
   • by GPS

   The hikers used GPS to find their way back to the trail.

   My phone's GPS was not working in the tunnel.

   The delivery trucks are tracked by GPS.

2. 2abbreviationcountableinformal

   A device or app that uses this system to give directions.

   Grammar: Often used for the gadget itself: put the address into the GPS.

   Patterns

   • follow the GPS
   • a GPS unit

   Our GPS sent us down a closed road.

   He bought a small GPS for his bicycle.

   Type the address into the GPS and we'll go.

Word forms

Common combinations

GPS coordinates

The rescuers received the GPS coordinates of the lost boat.

GPS signal

The GPS signal weakens in deep valleys.

GPS tracker

The dog wears a GPS tracker on its collar.

GPS navigation

GPS navigation helped us avoid the traffic.

follow the GPS

We followed the GPS right to the front door.

Synonyms and how they differ

satnav

Satnav is the British word for a car's navigation device, while GPS names the technology and is used in both countries.

navigation system

A navigation system is the general term and need not use satellites.

tracker

A tracker follows where something is, but GPS is the positioning technology it often relies on.

Word family

geolocation noun

finding a device's position on Earth

satellite noun

an object in orbit that sends signals

waypoint noun

a stored point on a route

Commonly confused: GPS or GP?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “GPS”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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