Glossary · Websites and content systems
CMS
Software used to create, organize, edit, and publish website content without manually changing every delivered file.
Also called: content management system
Definition
A content management system stores or structures content and provides an editing workflow. Some CMS platforms render pages dynamically; others feed a static-site build. The editing experience, content portability, permissions, maintenance, plugins, and hosting model vary widely.
Why it matters
The right CMS depends on who edits, how often, what approval is needed, and whether the content can be exported cleanly.
Common misunderstanding
Every website does not need a traditional CMS, and choosing one does not remove content governance or maintenance work.
Related terms
Related system family: Websites & Publishing
Sources
- What is a web server? (opens in a new tab) · MDN Web Docs
Last reviewed July 16, 2026