hardware

American  

[hahrd-wair] / ˈhɑrdˌwɛər /

noun

1. metalware typically used for repair or construction, as screws, locks, hinges, or machine parts.

   The store has aisles for hardware, lumber, electrical equipment, and plumbing supplies.

2. the mechanical equipment necessary for conducting an activity, usually distinguished from the theory and design that make the activity possible.

3. Computers. the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices comprising a computer system, as the CPU, disk drives, keyboard, or screen.

4. military weapons and combat equipment.

   The tactical concern with retreat was military hardware falling into enemy hands.

5. Slang. a weapon or weapons carried on one's person.

   The rougher types were asked to check their hardware at the door.

6. Slang.

   1. medals or trophies.

      The Olympic athletes posed iconically with their new hardware fanned across their chests, or playfully pretended to bite their gold medals.

   2. jewelry, especially large or flashy pieces of jewelry.

      She loved her engagement ring, but she took it off at work—a bakery is no place for hardware like that.

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hardware British  

/ ˈhɑːdˌwɛə /

noun

1. metal tools, implements, etc, esp cutlery or cooking utensils

2. computing the physical equipment used in a computer system, such as the central processing unit, peripheral devices, and memory Compare software

3. mechanical equipment, components, etc

4. heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missiles or their parts

5. informal a gun or guns collectively

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hardware Scientific  

/ härd′wâr′ /

1. A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware includes disk drives, integrated circuits, display screens, cables, modems, speakers, and printers.

2. Compare software

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hardware Cultural  

1. The physical machinery and devices that make up a computer system. It is contrasted to software — the programs and instructions used to run the system.

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Etymology

Origin of hardware

First recorded in 1505–15; 1955–60 hardware for def. 3; hard + ware ¹

Example Sentences

Yet real world adoption has lagged, largely because the hardware required to power these displays has been bulky and impractical.

From Science Daily

The physics of hardware engineering demands a more calculated approach to risk, according to Lafferty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Apple investors want to see the company push out more than just new hardware.

From Barron's

AI demands are also hitting other hardware markets, forcing up device prices for example.

From MarketWatch

He sees the fact that hardware revenue guidance is weaker than analysts had anticipated as a positive, explaining that this suggests revenue from the new advertising venture is higher than expected.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• housewares
• plumbing