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

From an engineering perspective, this process can be conceptualized as a self-replicating firmware update that spreads through a network of nodes; however, the network in this case is a population, and the firmware update is a genomic modification. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

The companion app integrates with Strava and Garmin, includes an anti-theft layer via Apple Find My, and supports over-the-air firmware updates. —New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026

Microsoft has released new firmware updates for the Surface Pro 12 this week that improve stylus support on the device. —Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026

The spatial geomagnetic sensing is achieved with a folding, extendable robotic arm that carries the Hidonix Acquisition Module, which includes the HEC (Hidonix Embedded Computer from Nvidia) that runs proprietary firmware designed for precise geomagnetic signal acquisition. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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)