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

Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

Matt Evans, a 36-year-old software engineer, posted a video the morning of the first day of Yom Kippur showing Gallego, who is Jewish, with glowing purple eyes, devil horns and red flames. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 14 Oct. 2024

After the killings, Pat took an extended leave from his remote job in software sales at Microsoft (where I am also employed, in a separate division of the company). —Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

Early problems developing software, high labor costs and persistently expensive components like batteries have plagued the industry. —Jason Ma, Fortune Europe, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r 

-ˌtwe(ə)r

: the programs and related information used by a computer