software

American  

[sawft-wair, soft-] / ˈsɔftˌwɛər, ˈsɒft- /

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.

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software British  

/ 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

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software Scientific  

/ sôft′wâr′ /

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

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software Cultural  

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

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Usage

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experience that directs the operation of a computer or electronic device, as in The software on my phone was so outdated, I couldn’t send texts to anyone.Software can refer to anything that is used with hardware but is not the hardware itself.Example: The hardware is great, but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

Etymology

Origin of software

First recorded in 1955–60; soft + ware ¹

Example Sentences

That will give it more control over the technology and optimize compatibility between software and hardware—but it also means depending on Chinese suppliers that can provide custom-made parts at a good price.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Within Silicon Valley, it is battling for mind-share among young startup founders, software engineers and tech executives whose perceptions are largely shaped by what they see on social media—specifically X.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Since the end of January, software stocks have been battered by concerns over artificial-intelligence disruption that have since impacted other sectors, such as private credit.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The Los Angeles County Superior Court was hit by a ransomware attack in 2024 that infected its computer system with damaging software, forcing it to shut down for two days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Unfortunately, nobody had spotted the time bomb lurking in the code, a zero that engineers were supposed to remove while installing the software.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• application
• application software
• program