freeware

noun

free·​ware ˈfrē-ˌwer How to pronounce freeware (audio)
: software that is available for use at no cost or for a nominal usually voluntary fee

Examples of freeware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Google's Chrome is a freeware release with deeper ties to Google's ecosystem, while Chromium, released at the same time as Chrome in 2008, is open source. — Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025 The smoothest and fastest way to run such apps is with the freeware Wineskin Winery, as described in our guide to running Windows apps on a Mac. — Edward Mendelson, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of freeware was in 1983

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“Freeware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freeware. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

freeware

noun
free·​ware ˈfrē-ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce freeware (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: software available at no cost
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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