: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although the calendar alert itself is not malware, engaging with it can expose you to identity theft or financial fraud.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
In July 2025, a cybersecurity vendor flagged an upcoming game, Chemia, for updating itself to deliver malware.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
In some cases, authorities say the workers have also planted malware in company networks used to steal sensitive or proprietary information.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Tackle cyber and data-related risks: Address data center threats such as malware and ransomware attacks, data breaches, privacy liability, as well as system failure and insider threats.
—John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
In July 2025, a cybersecurity vendor flagged an upcoming game, Chemia, for updating itself to deliver malware.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
In some cases, authorities say the workers have also planted malware in company networks used to steal sensitive or proprietary information.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Tackle cyber and data-related risks: Address data center threats such as malware and ransomware attacks, data breaches, privacy liability, as well as system failure and insider threats.
—John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malware
noun
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Legal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology
mal- bad + software
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