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

Even the most outdated cabinets can be given a makeover by replacing the cabinet hardware—think swapping out those white enamel knobs for bars with a matte black finish, for example. — Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 5 Aug. 2026

No, no, Moss opted for carting around a luxurious black Hermès Birkin bag, complete with gold hardware (to match the jewels, of course). — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026

Crucially, photon loss can be easily detected with the right hardware, without needing additional qubits required to run an error-correction code. — ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026

Just like Sweeney and Garner’s overalls, this $60 find has the classic look, including adjustable straps with metal hardware, side button closures, and functional front, back, and chest pockets. — Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 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