malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer 

: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than relying on malware, this type of scam operates by convincing someone to trust an email, approve an invoice or authorize a payment that looks legitimate. — Mark Beare, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The malware can then copy the Keychain database into its collection folder. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for malware

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

malware

noun

ˈmal-ˌwer 

: 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