spyware

noun

spy·​ware ˈspī-ˌwer 

: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities

Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …

—Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair

Smartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.

—Dan Goodin

Examples of spyware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These spyware notifications have been running since 2021, and are primarily directed towards users in high-risk vocations or locations, who may be targeted by such spyware. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

The study reveals the addition of three new countries linked to spyware activity—Japan, Malaysia, and Panama. —Vas Panagiotopoulos, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

The Personal Data page also helps guard you against webcam spyware so hackers can peer into your private life. —PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025

Just one click can compromise your credentials or install spyware. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spyware

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

Kids Definition

spyware

noun

spy·​ware

ˈspī-ˌwer

: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities