: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Clicking the link takes you to a fake site that asks for personal information or downloads malware onto your device.
—Better Business Bureau, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Aura Cost Plans from $9 to $25 per month, billed annually
Standout features
Protects against identity theft, financial fraud, spam calls, online theft, scam websites, viruses and malware.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The malware that is used prevents companies from accessing their data until payment is made to restore access.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Clicking the link takes you to a fake site that asks for personal information or downloads malware onto your device.
—Better Business Bureau, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Aura Cost Plans from $9 to $25 per month, billed annually
Standout features
Protects against identity theft, financial fraud, spam calls, online theft, scam websites, viruses and malware.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The malware that is used prevents companies from accessing their data until payment is made to restore access.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 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 22 Feb. 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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