software

[sawft-wair, soft-]

noun

1. Computers.,  the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them.

2. anything that is not hardware but is used with hardware, especially audiovisual materials, as film, tapes, records, etc..

   a studio fully equipped but lacking software.

3. Television Slang.,  prepackaged materials, as movies or reruns, used to fill out the major part of a station's program schedule.

software

/ ˈsɒftˌwɛə /

noun

1. computing the programs that can be used with a particular computer system Compare hardware

2. video cassettes and discs for use with a particular video system

software

1. The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.

2. Compare hardware

software

1. The programs and instructions that run a computer, as opposed to the actual physical machinery and devices that compose the hardware.

Word History and Origins

Origin of software¹

First recorded in 1955–60; soft + ware ¹

Example Sentences

Networked machines and web‑enabled software quietly transformed back offices as much as our on‑screen lives.

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“If any company develops a software like this that is so valuable, they should be boasting about it,” he said in an interview.

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The company, whose software lets users generate songs based on text prompts, has drawn controversy and legal conflict in the industry.

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The company’s smallish software business operates at close to breakeven and the Bitcoin holdings yield nothing.

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The medical imaging and diagnostic company announced External link on Thursday an agreement to acquire Intelerad, a medical imaging software provider with a presence in outpatient ambulatory care settings, for $2.3 billion in cash.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• application 
• application software www.thesaurus.com
• program 

When To Use

What is software?

Software is a program or virtual experience that directs the operation of a computer or electronic device, as in The software on my phone was so outdated, I couldn’t send texts to anyone.Software can refer to anything that is used with hardware but is not the hardware itself.Example: The hardware is great, but there just isn’t enough software to back it up.