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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Google researchers said this is an example of adversaries increasingly leveraging AI to automate vulnerabilities, phishing campaigns, and malware development. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 12 May 2026 On the Graphic Campus in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, school administrators detected that malware that can record keystrokes was installed in the computer lab, families were told. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026 Victims can end up infected with malware capable of spying on the machine and stealing data across their programs, including their iCloud Keychains. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026 This method is often associated with phishing or malware distribution. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 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 15 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on malware

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster