hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer How to pronounce hardware (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Start thinking about that and asking your hardware, equipment and software vendors if agents are part of their future product plans. Gene Marks, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 An Honor spokesperson told CNBC the money would go toward putting AI into hardware as well as next generation AI agents, which are often described as more advanced virtual assistants. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025 There is hardware, and then there is all the people who will exploit it. Billy Perrigo, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025 The Progress also has equipment and hardware to support Roscosmos science experiments. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hardware

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardware was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardware

noun
hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r How to pronounce hardware (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on hardware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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