Main Entry:

hard·ware

Pronunciation:

\ˈhärd-ˌwer\

Function:

noun

Date:

circa 1515

1: ware (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal2: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose <educational hardware>: as a: military equipment b: the physical components (as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer) 3: an award (as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition