: 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 safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
When candidates ran a routine installation, malware was actually installed, which could expose wallets, keys and production systems.
—Talia Kaplan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
At one point a couple of years ago, Microsoft even used malware-like pop-ups in a disgusting overreach.
—Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026
Sonatype’s research found that GPT-5 hallucinated nearly 28% of component versions and, without real-time intelligence, even recommended malware.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
When candidates ran a routine installation, malware was actually installed, which could expose wallets, keys and production systems.
—Talia Kaplan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
At one point a couple of years ago, Microsoft even used malware-like pop-ups in a disgusting overreach.
—Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026
Sonatype’s research found that GPT-5 hallucinated nearly 28% of component versions and, without real-time intelligence, even recommended malware.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 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 2 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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