: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its 360 Premium protects against ransomware, malware, and phishing scams across many devices, including Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android.
—
PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
There's been a lot in the news lately about juice jacking, when hackers install malware in public charging stations and then hack devices that are plugged in.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
More advanced intrusions bypass sensors completely and target a drone’s internal systems through malware.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
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, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
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PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
There's been a lot in the news lately about juice jacking, when hackers install malware in public charging stations and then hack devices that are plugged in.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
More advanced intrusions bypass sensors completely and target a drone’s internal systems through malware.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
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, 6 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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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