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

No frills, no fancy claims to fame; the Jet Set features the brand’s signature logo-print canvas, a clean and classic silhouette, and luxe gold hardware that goes with everything. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026

Rausch then gave the bag — a burgundy Hermès Togo Birkin 30 with gold hardware — to an overjoyed Higgins. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026

Included in the base price is your choice of either a stand, which supports height and tilt adjustment, or VESA-mounting hardware for wall- or arm-mounting the monitor. —Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026

Opting for ornate hardware and rings or adding a trim detail above the window—or to the fabric itself—can also help to give lighter curtains more substance. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 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