Linux内核（英语：Linux kernel），是一种计算机操作系统内核，以C语言和汇编语言写成，符合POSIX标准，以GNU通用公共许可证发布。Linux内核最早是由芬兰黑客林纳斯·托瓦兹为尝试在自己的英特尔x86架构计算机上提供自由免费的类Unix系统而开发的。该计划开始于1991年，林纳斯·托瓦兹当时在Usenet新闻组comp.os.minix登载帖子，这份著名的帖子标示着Linux内核计划的正式开始。

在计划的早期有一些Minix的黑客提供了协助，而今天全球有无数进程员正在为该计划无偿提供帮助。

The Linux kernel is a Unix-like computer operating system kernel. It is used world-wide: the Linux operating system is based on it and deployed on both traditional computer systems such as personal computers and servers, usually in the form of Linux distributions, and on various embedded devices such as routers and NAS appliances. The Android operating system for tablet computers, smartphones and smartwatches is also based atop the Linux kernel.