software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯft-ˌwer How to pronounce software (audio)
: 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
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.
As cloud infrastructure matures and enterprises seek flexibility, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and leasing models are rapidly gaining ground. Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025 Employees moved about, pulling items for upcoming projects or consulting Airtable, a software program that Saft uses to catalogue Staged to Sell’s collection. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Building a genome from scratch means that software tools similar to word processors can be used to easily search and replace strings of letters, or cut and paste code blocks. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for software

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of software was in 1958

Cite this Entry

“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

software

noun
soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r How to pronounce software (audio)
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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