Prompting & Interaction

System Prompt

Instructions given to an AI at the start of a session that shape its behaviour throughout.

Definition

A system prompt is a set of instructions provided to an AI model before the user interaction begins — typically by the application developer rather than the end user. It establishes the AI's role, constraints, tone, and any specific knowledge it should have. For example, a customer service AI might have a system prompt that tells it to only discuss the company's products, respond in formal English, and never discuss competitor pricing. System prompts are invisible to the end user.

Why this matters for your business

Well-designed system prompts are essential for deploying AI in business contexts. They define the guardrails, persona, and scope of the AI's behaviour, ensuring it stays on-brand and on-topic.

Related Terms

Prompt Engineering

The practice of crafting inputs to get better outputs from AI models.

Guardrails

Rules or filters built into an AI system to prevent harmful or inappropriate outputs.

Context

The information an AI can 'see' at one time — its working memory for a task.

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Disclaimer

This definition is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It represents a general explanation of a technical concept and does not constitute professional, technical, or investment advice. Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving field; terminology, techniques, and capabilities change frequently. Coaley Peak Ltd makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided. Nothing on this page should be relied upon as the sole basis for commercial, technical, legal, or investment decisions without independent professional advice.

Document reference: ISO_webpage_knowledge-base_glossary_v1

Last modified: 29 March 2026

Knowledge Base·Prompting & Interaction·System Prompt