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

Danfoss, which sells smart refrigeration systems used by retailers, issued a statement to France's BFM TV saying the hackers succeeded in part by targeting refrigeration systems no longer supported with software updates. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026

Virtual try-ons are powered by AI software that lets shoppers see how clothing, glasses or jewelry will look on them before buying, and the market is projected to more than quintuple by the end of the decade. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

The figures highlight the structural reliance of US tech on China, and the difficulties of erecting a materials and software firewall against Beijing. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Microsoft Microsoft will ramp up use of its homegrown artificial intelligence chips after years of reliance on Nvidia's graphics processing units, as the software giant attempts to bolster its AI stack. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing software

• software as a service

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