software
Americannoun
-
Computers. the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them.
-
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.
-
Television Slang. prepackaged materials, as movies or reruns, used to fill out the major part of a station's program schedule.
noun
-
computing the programs that can be used with a particular computer system Compare hardware
-
video cassettes and discs for use with a particular video system
-
The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
-
Compare hardware
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virtual experience that directs the operation of a computer or electronic device, as in The software on my phone was so outdated, I couldn’t send texts to anyone.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
Explanation
In computer science, software is a computer program you can load on your computer. Software includes everything from operating systems to game programs. The word software was first used in print in 1958 by John Tukey, a statistician. Some experts suggest the actual word was coined in 1953 as a joke by Paul Niquette. He used the word to refer to the programs for a computer — as opposed to the hardware that made up the physical computer. You can purchase software, install software, and even fix software bugs.
Vocabulary lists containing software
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Computer Science and Technology - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It has an expense ratio of 0.85% and its top holdings include IREN, an AI cloud provider; Strategy, an AI-powered enterprise analytics software provider; and Coinbase.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Enterprise service management provides a coordinated way to plan, manage, and deliver communications services for multiple missions through a shared software framework.
From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026
This was especially the case during the 2000s, when software and processes were not as sophisticated or streamlined as they are today.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
With shares recently showing signs of softness, investors are beginning to question whether the software rally can maintain its footing without clear leadership from its most influential name.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
“However, you have our most basic unit. Would you like us to upgrade her software, or adjust her settings, or polish out these scratches?”
From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown
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.
