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

Quantum hardware handled the most complex parts of the calculation, while classical supercomputers stitched the results together. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026

Zooming out, Schimpf says, Altius’s problems aren’t exceptional, but systemic to defense hardware. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 6 May 2026

Beyond its premium-feel material, though, the bag is accented with gold-tone hardware that gives it a clean, polished, and elegant look. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 May 2026

Its hardware, software and AI were all developed in-house. —Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 6 May 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