: 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, 16 Dec. 2025
Good antivirus software can block a lot of malware.
—Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Key features: 10 devices covered simultaneously, ad and tracker blockers, malware protection, a password manager, encrypted cloud storage, theft and extortion insurance, a data breach scanner, dedicated IP, dark web monitoring, threat protection, over 70% off and more.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025
If executed, the attack can download and install various forms of data-stealing malware, including Rhadamanthys, Vidar 2.0, RedLine, Amadey and other remote access Trojans that can enable the hacker to hijack a PC.
—PC Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Good antivirus software can block a lot of malware.
—Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Key features: 10 devices covered simultaneously, ad and tracker blockers, malware protection, a password manager, encrypted cloud storage, theft and extortion insurance, a data breach scanner, dedicated IP, dark web monitoring, threat protection, over 70% off and more.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025
If executed, the attack can download and install various forms of data-stealing malware, including Rhadamanthys, Vidar 2.0, RedLine, Amadey and other remote access Trojans that can enable the hacker to hijack a PC.
—PC Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
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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