software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯft-ˌwer 

: something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: such as

a

: programs for a computer

accounting software

b

dated : the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a mechanical or electronic system and especially a computer system

c

: materials for use with audiovisual equipment

… television programs, music, and movies are now called software, by the way …

—Robert Bixby

Examples of software in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

BlackBerry has crafted its software to have high safety standards, a non-negotiable for cars and other moving objects. — Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The deal would expand Nvidia’s reach in AI software and give it closer ties to developers using and sharing AI models. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Using modern game design software, students create different types of video games including arcade, role-playing and first-person shooter games. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

But Flock changed its software in December to black out most officer initials, license plate numbers and reasons from those logs, which will make large-scale analyses like USA TODAY’s virtually impossible in the future. — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing software

• software as a service

Rhymes for software

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

Kids Definition

software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r 

-ˌtwe(ə)r

: the programs and related information used by a computer