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
With its quick and tailored replies, OpenEvidence has become an AI-era equivalent of consulting a colleague for their expert opinion, though the software can also write patient discharge notes and provide custom study tools for doctors’ medical exams.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Investigators had used facial recognition software to compare surveillance images from the bank fraud case with photos of Lipps from her driver's license and social media.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Around 45% of Microsoft's commercial remaining performance obligations were tied to OpenAI at the end of 2025, and the software giant is building out data centers to accommodate the demand.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Waymo said software changes were deployed on April 20 for the affected fleet.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for software
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Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Investigators had used facial recognition software to compare surveillance images from the bank fraud case with photos of Lipps from her driver's license and social media.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Around 45% of Microsoft's commercial remaining performance obligations were tied to OpenAI at the end of 2025, and the software giant is building out data centers to accommodate the demand.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Waymo said software changes were deployed on April 20 for the affected fleet.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for software
Cite this Entry
“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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software
noun
soft·ware
ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
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