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

Attractive as the wrapper is, the hardware underneath is even more critical. —Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

The Dodgers quickly chased Cease, came back and disposed of the Padres by winning twice, defeated the Mets in the NLCS and then beat the Yankees in five to win the hardware. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

As technology advances and costs decrease, the hardware in today’s AVs could eventually become viable in consumer vehicles. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

By working alongside smart TV manufacturers including Sony, Samsung, LG and Philips, the Airtime service facilitates in-room premium entertainment to hotels, hospitality and healthcare companies without hardware or PMS licenses. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

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