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

ChromeOS is remarkably resistant to viruses and malware, with Google's H1 security chip built into every device. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

And in February 2025, the Japanese military discovered that some of its members had unknowingly circulated for over a year USB sticks that carried malware used by Chinese hacker groups. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Use strong antivirus software to help detect malicious links, block dangerous websites and protect against malware designed to steal your passwords. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Once inside corporate networks, these workers can also access sensitive data, deploy malware and even extort their employers. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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