: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, strong antivirus software provides real-time protection against malware, spyware, ransomware and other online threats on a PC or Mac.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
So long as cyber staff were well-trained on networks, firewalls, and malware, strong technical specialization was sufficient.
—Harpreet Sidhu, Fortune, 13 June 2026
AdGuard helps limit data collection from advertisers and tracking networks, while malware and phishing filters add another layer of protection against dangerous websites.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Continuous monitoring Don’t limit monitoring to known malware.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
So long as cyber staff were well-trained on networks, firewalls, and malware, strong technical specialization was sufficient.
—Harpreet Sidhu, Fortune, 13 June 2026
AdGuard helps limit data collection from advertisers and tracking networks, while malware and phishing filters add another layer of protection against dangerous websites.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Continuous monitoring Don’t limit monitoring to known malware.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 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 18 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
