hardware
noun
hard·ware
ˈhärd-ˌwer 
1
: ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2
: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose
educational hardware
: such as
a
: military equipment
b
: the physical components (such as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (such as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (such as a computer)
3
: an award (such as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition
Examples of hardware in a Sentence
She bought some new hardware for her system.
gathered together the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line for the marathon
Recent Examples on the Web
Safety through advanced technology Safety remains the primary concern for any personal aircraft, and Plaut addresses this through extreme hardware redundancy.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Although Europe is reliant on the US for military hardware in the short term, Daniel Fried, a veteran US diplomat, told CNN that the continent has more leverage than is commonly believed.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Their horse-bit hardware gives them an upscale look that pairs well with work and casual outfits alike.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
One contender who’s quietly shot to the front of the pack is John Ternum, Apple’s head of hardware engineers, who keeps a relatively low profile.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardware
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Although Europe is reliant on the US for military hardware in the short term, Daniel Fried, a veteran US diplomat, told CNN that the continent has more leverage than is commonly believed.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Their horse-bit hardware gives them an upscale look that pairs well with work and casual outfits alike.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
One contender who’s quietly shot to the front of the pack is John Ternum, Apple’s head of hardware engineers, who keeps a relatively low profile.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardware
Cite this Entry
“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hardware
noun
hard·ware
ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r
-ˌdwe(ə)r
1
: articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2
: the equipment used for a particular purpose
computer hardware
military hardware
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