adware
Americannoun
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software that displays advertisements and is integrated into another program offered at no charge or at low cost.
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a type of spyware that gathers information about an internet user's browsing habits and displays targeted or contextual advertisements.
noun
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a type of computer software that collects information about a user's browsing patterns in order to display relevant advertisements in his or her Web browser
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computer software that is given to a user with advertisements already embedded
Etymology
Origin of adware
First recorded in 1980–85; ad(vertising-supported) + (soft)ware ( def. )
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.
In many cases, free PC-cleaning utilities come with adware, viruses or other bits of software that ultimately lag your PC.
From Fox News • Sep. 12, 2021
The Uber breach affected 25 million customers and drivers, the Lenovo Superfish adware infected roughly 750,000 computers, and the toy firm VTech exposed information about 4 million parents and 280,000 children.
From Slate • Jul. 23, 2019
They might require a download, which places adware or even malware on your computer.
From Encyclopedia.com • Dec. 3, 2018
In an age of crapware, bloatware, adware, and spyware all masquerading as consumer-friendly options direct from carriers, this is a breath of fresh Android air.
From The Verge • Aug. 18, 2017
Many of the services were bloated with adware and spyware.
From The Public Domain Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by Boyle, James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
