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

Leak detection software is also critical in the data center's white space; even a small leak can crash a server or cluster. —Steven Carlini, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Keep operating system software updated and use antivirus software on all devices. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

The money coming out of enterprise software is making a beeline to the much smaller semi cohort like Analog Devices , KLA Corp , Lam Research , Texas instruments , Advanced Micro Devices and Micron . —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 June 2025

The ability to handle more freight with fewer resources makes software like Motion TMS not just essential but inevitable. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 30 June 2025

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