malware

American  

[mal-wair] / ˈmælˌwɛər /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. software intended to damage a computer, mobile device, computer system, or computer network, or to take partial control over its operation.

   tips on finding and removing viruses, spyware, and other malware.

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malware British  

/ ˈmælwɛə /

noun

1. a computer program designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus

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malware Scientific  

/ măl′wâr′ /

1. Software that is written and distributed for malicious purposes, such as impairing or destroying computer systems. Computer viruses are malware.

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Etymology

Origin of malware

First recorded in 1990–95; mal(icious) + -ware

Example Sentences

Amazon said the product has been out of stock since last year and that it takes action when it confirms a third-party product is infected with malware.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The new Intel Threat Detection Technology, which uses AI to find advanced malware threats in real time, is another unique feature in the market, Altavilla said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Cyber-warfare is sometimes described as occurring on an “invisible battlefield,” but it doesn’t just involve malware and viruses.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

But when he downloaded a beta test version of a game called "MetaToy" that turned out to be fake, it installed malware on his browser.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Harmless-looking digital images that contain malware are yet another.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield