firmware

noun

firm·​ware ˈfərm-ˌwer 

: computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (such as a read-only memory)

Examples of firmware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like its predecessors, the Pro doesn’t include an ebook storefront, but its unlocked firmware means readers can upload their own EPUBs, PDFs, and more without worrying about compatibility problems or third-party restrictions. — Eliza Thompson, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Both the Beast and the original One Pro had very similar drift after a firmware update to the former, but the 1 Pro+ seems much more stable than both. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Besides running controllers with outdated firmware, the affected stores likely also failed to put the devices behind a VPN and create a restricted list of IP addresses allowed to log in. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Customers across South Korea found that their almost $4,000 appliance suddenly shut down after a faulty firmware update, turning them into an expensive — and fresh food ruining — brick. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for firmware

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

Kids Definition

firmware

noun

firm·​ware ˈfərm-ˌwa(ə)r 

-ˌwe(ə)r

: computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device (as a read-only memory)