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

The district may also reduce network software spending and eliminate district subsidies for athletics, band and field-trip transportation. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026

Alibaba said the chip was built specifically for workloads tied to autonomous software agents that can complete complex tasks with minimal human input. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026

China, for its part, is accelerating its efforts to reduce dependence on Western semiconductors, software, and financial infrastructure. —Neil Shearing, Time, 20 May 2026

The tools are too good, too accessible and too deeply embedded in the software employees already use. —Kobi Nissan, Forbes.com, 20 May 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