malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If your phone, tablet or computer has malware, changing passwords from that device may hand the new passwords right back to the hacker. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 In this case, the trouble, reported by Bleeping Computer, is that bad actors have been using the Steam Workshop to spread malware to Wallpaper Engine users. Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 Although it has not been disclosed precisely where the new dataset of infostealer logs originated or which malware was used in the original attacks, the fact that there are 124 unique passwords and 56 million unique emails should be cause for concern. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 When found, the malware also takes five screenshots over a 10-second period. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for malware

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malware was in 1990

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

malware

noun
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Legal Definition

malware

noun
mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology

mal- bad + software

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