software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯft-ˌwer How to pronounce software (audio)
: something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: such as
a
: programs for a computer
accounting software
b
dated : the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a mechanical or electronic system and especially a computer system
c
: materials for use with audiovisual equipment
… television programs, music, and movies are now called software, by the way …Robert Bixby

Examples of software in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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On the internet of yore, there was an apocryphal story about Jerry Seinfeld supposedly giving advice to software developer and would-be comedian Brad Isaac. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2025 The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025 Bank of America Mariana Perez Mora said the company has software that can win wars, and that the company’s utilization by governments and businesses is only in the early innings. Alex Harring, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 Screenshot: Apple Other companies that Apple said would support its new CarPlay have been noncommittal about the software since it was announced. Wes Davis, The Verge, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for software 

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of software was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near software

Cite this Entry

“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

software

noun
soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r How to pronounce software (audio)
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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