spyware

noun

spy·​ware ˈspī-ˌwer 

: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities

Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …

—Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair

Smartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.

—Dan Goodin

Examples of spyware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Appearing as push notifications, emails and messages within the settings app, Apple threat notifications are sent to users who may be targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

Apple has issued a fresh round of mercenary spyware warnings to select iPhone users in 110 countries, TechCrunch reports. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

The memo appears to permit companies participating in the program to use spyware or launch offensive attacks intended to destroy TCO data or systems. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026

In the criminal case, federal prosecutors confirmed — and the defense admitted — that Hart secretly recorded minors through spyware installed on laptop computers and directed children overseas to produce child pornography. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spyware

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

spyware

noun

spy·​ware ˈspī-ˌwer 

: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities