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

In the communist Chinese surveillance state, the authorities use facial recognition software, tracking systems and biometric databases that create holographic profiles of every person. — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026

Shares of the human resources software provider surged nearly 18% yesterday, marking their biggest one-day gain in 10 years. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Some joke about singing Disney songs, others use software, and some have even resorted to physical tricks. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Previously, this software flash happened after the vehicle was built, and if issues were detected, updates took 10 minutes per vehicle. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

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