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
Robert BixbyExamples of software in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The installation, operated by Circus and powered by the company’s proprietary AI software platform, marks a significant milestone for both retail automation and food service automation.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
The startup, now in closed beta, was founded by filmmakers, data scientists, and software engineers, with the goal of streamlining repetitive tasks.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Guggenheim upgrades Paylocity to buy from neutral Guggenheim said buy the dip in the software company.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
The pair previously cofounded Alice, a hotel management software acquired by Expedia in 2017, and now owned by Alpine Investors’ ASG.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for software
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.
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
The startup, now in closed beta, was founded by filmmakers, data scientists, and software engineers, with the goal of streamlining repetitive tasks.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Guggenheim upgrades Paylocity to buy from neutral Guggenheim said buy the dip in the software company.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
The pair previously cofounded Alice, a hotel management software acquired by Expedia in 2017, and now owned by Alpine Investors’ ASG.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for software
Cite this Entry
“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
software
noun
soft·ware
ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share