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

The system integrates open-source firmware (ESP32-based) and control software compatible with ROS2, allowing seamless integration into research and educational environments, according to details available on GitHub. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

Consumers are directed to stop using the power stations and contact EcoFlow Technology for instructions on a free repair via firmware update. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

As a security precaution, YubiKey firmware is not upgradable by users. —PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025

Servers running on motherboards sold by Supermicro contain high-severity vulnerabilities that can allow hackers to remotely install malicious firmware that runs even before the operating system, making infections impossible to detect or remove without unusual protections in place. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025

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)