hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer How to pronounce hardware (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pure Storage introduced new hardware including 300TB DFM, FlashArrays and a new FlashBlade along with its Enterprise Data Cloud for managing and protecting on-premise, cloud and hosted data to enable a post-AI training world. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The real issue is why so much hardware on the grid didn't follow its operating specifications, either disconnecting early or failing to respond properly to the calls for stabilization. ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025 That partnership gave Hugging Face the expertise needed to accelerate hardware development and bring these new robots to market quickly. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025 Unlike competitors that rely on heavy hardware installations, ParkStash keeps costs low by partnering with camera providers like Eagle Eye Networks and outsourcing physical enforcement to local tow companies. Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hardware

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardware was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardware

noun
hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r How to pronounce hardware (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on hardware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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