spyware
Americannoun
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Computers. software that is installed surreptitiously and gathers information about an internet user's browsing habits, intercepts the user's personal data, etc., transmitting this information to a third party.
a parent's use of spyware to monitor a child's online activities.
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tools that are used to conduct espionage.
sophisticated spyware that rivals that of the CIA.
noun
Etymology
Origin of spyware
Vocabulary lists containing spyware
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
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Computer Science and Technology - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Although his movie urged us against this 24/7 spyware future, we have since embraced the convenience.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
Documents have also proved that Mexico's military spied on Ramos by infecting his phone with Pegasus spyware.
From Barron's ● May 14, 2026
The government's tracking system relies on an amalgam of public and private information sifted, sorted and packaged by contractors that include Palantir Technologies, Deloitte, Japanese conglomerate NEC and smaller spyware specialists.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
The incredible double life of a spyware salesman turned spy.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 27, 2026
Many of the services were bloated with adware and spyware.
From The Public Domain Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by James Boyle
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