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

Each June, Apple unveils its newest software features for the iPhone at its futuristic Silicon Valley campus. —Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 9 June 2024

Elliott added a new case management system last year but needs $91,000 to maintain the software licenses needed to operate it. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024

The software maker is facing an uprising over a new language in its terms of service for customers who use one of its key products, Creative Cloud Suite, according to 9to5Mac. —Byverne Kopytoff, Fortune, 7 June 2024

Our best player is not a professional cricketer but software engineer at Oracle. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 7 June 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