hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer 

1

: ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose

educational hardware

: such as

a

: military equipment

b

: the physical components (such as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (such as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (such as a computer)

3

: an award (such as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition

Synonyms of hardware

• equipment
• gear
• apparatus

Examples of hardware in a Sentence

She bought some new hardware for her system.

gathered together the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line for the marathon

Recent Examples on the Web

Parking lots at hardware stores have gone from crowded to empty because many are running out of salt. —Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

Subscription revenue typically offers higher margins and more consistent cash flow than hardware sales. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The mechanism is controlled by a central pulley system as opposed to complex hardware to help keep weight down. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026

Designed with communication and safety in mind, the robot combines advanced hardware, intelligent software, and a human-friendly form to address the practical demands of real-world operations. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hardware

• hardware cloth

Rhymes for hardware

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

Kids Definition

hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r 

-ˌdwe(ə)r

1

: articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: the equipment used for a particular purpose

computer hardware

military hardware