software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯft-ˌwer 

: something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: such as

a

: programs for a computer

accounting software

b

dated : the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a mechanical or electronic system and especially a computer system

c

: materials for use with audiovisual equipment

… television programs, music, and movies are now called software, by the way …

—Robert Bixby

Examples of software in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adobe could be crawling its way out of the software stock abyss, after a buyback and an endorsement from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revived confidence in the digital media provider. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

The race also includes software programmer Tim Riley, a political newcomer with a focus on relocating to the Aftershock music festival from Discovery Park to Cal Expo. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Upgrading this software and other outdated programs used to administer critical social services is a top priority for all of Minnesota's 87 counties, which manage enrollment and case management for Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance. —Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

Defense partnerships and production plans Saildrone is working with Lockheed Martin to integrate mission systems and autonomy software into the Spectre platform. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for software

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r 

-ˌtwe(ə)r

: the programs and related information used by a computer