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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This alert is in effect until 7 p.m. Source: The National Weather Service This article was generated by the North Carolina Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025 Source: The National Weather Service This article was generated by the CA Weather Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025 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 Salesforce’s print wasn’t perfect, but the software maker gave us enough to stay believers in its AI story. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 9 Mar. 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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