firmware

American  

[furm-wair] / ˈfɜrmˌwɛər /

noun

Computers.

1. a microprogram stored in ROM, designed to implement a function that had previously been provided in software.

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firmware British  

/ ˈfɜːmˌwɛə /

noun

1. computing a fixed form of software programmed into a read-only memory

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Etymology

Origin of firmware

First recorded in 1965–70; firm ¹ + (soft)ware

Example Sentences

But knowing our luck, we’ll be struggling with forgotten passwords for our smart toothbrushes and buggy firmware updates for our flying cars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Already Strong Security Setup: If you have a well-configured home network with strong passwords, updated firmware, WPA3 encryption and regularly updated devices, your baseline security may already be quite good.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

The issue of clutter has been known for years and can be resolved through software and firmware changes on weapons systems and radars, as well as proper training for operators of those systems, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

Also, connect a phone and headset via the Navigator app to download the latest firmware as well as set up equalization profiles for the best possible sound.

From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2023

That night, after I shut off the lights and disabled the security cameras, I unlocked my entertainment unit’s maintenance access panel and installed the flash drive into an expansion slot used for firmware upgrades.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline