hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer 

1

: ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose

educational hardware

: such as

a

: military equipment

b

: the physical components (such as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (such as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (such as a computer)

3

: an award (such as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition

Synonyms

• accoutrements
• accouterments
• apparatus
• equipment
• gear
• kit [chiefly British]
• material(s)
• matériel
• materiel
• outfit
• paraphernalia
• stuff
• tackle

Examples of hardware in a Sentence

She bought some new hardware for her system.

gathered together the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line for the marathon

Recent Examples on the Web

That's important because errors in quantum hardware increase as a function of both time and the number of operations. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025

This season, with a majority of the team back, the Cougars hope to play in at least Division V for NorCal, which would open the door for possible state hardware. —Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

On-Premises Versus Cloud Computing When operating on-premises, the primary ongoing expense is the electricity bill because the hardware has already been purchased. —Vikas Agarwal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

And Samsung’s Knox security hardware helps keep it safe. —Mike Feibus, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hardware

• hardware cloth

Kids Definition

hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r 

-ˌdwe(ə)r

1

: articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: the equipment used for a particular purpose

computer hardware

military hardware