: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Why security software struggles to stop it Traditional malware defenses look for suspicious downloads or unauthorized installations.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Good antivirus software can block a lot of malware.
—Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Mayes urged Arizonans to delete their Temu accounts, uninstall the app and scan their devices for malware.
—Sejal Govindarao, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2025
Higher tiers offer ad and tracker blockers, password management, malware protection, cloud storage, data breach alerts and much more.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Good antivirus software can block a lot of malware.
—Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Mayes urged Arizonans to delete their Temu accounts, uninstall the app and scan their devices for malware.
—Sejal Govindarao, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2025
Higher tiers offer ad and tracker blockers, password management, malware protection, cloud storage, data breach alerts and much more.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malware
noun
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Legal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology
mal- bad + software
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