firmware

noun

firm·​ware ˈfərm-ˌwer How to pronounce firmware (audio)
: computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (such as a read-only memory)

Examples of firmware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The message also suggests the routers can be patched with new firmware. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026 Plus, annual firmware updates are provided for free. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 To fully leverage sparsity, researchers and engineers need to rethink and re-architect each piece of the design stack, including the hardware, low-level firmware, and application software. Olivia Hsu, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Apr. 2026 Then, check for a support timeline, the date of the most recent firmware update or any notes saying the product is no longer supported. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firmware

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firmware was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Firmware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firmware. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

firmware

noun
firm·​ware ˈfərm-ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce firmware (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (as a read-only memory)

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