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

Perhaps no more than a few hundreds of AI top talents worldwide possess this caliber of expertise, a scarcity inflating salaries to star levels while reducing the job prospect of software engineers whose programming skills can be automated. —Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

The battery life is longer than a wrist wearable, and Oura frequently issues meaningful, interesting software updates. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025

The software earns impressive marks from an independent lab, showcasing its robust defense capabilities. —PC Magazine, 11 July 2025

As the cost of software plummets and AI gains new abilities, companies can build increasingly bespoke internal software. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 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