software

noun

soft·​ware ˈsȯft-ˌwer How to pronounce software (audio)
: 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
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PreSonus makes Studio One, another great piece of recording software, among our favorite digital audio workstations. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 24 May 2025 The camera's hardware and software will be pushed to the limit, the latest version of Android will steer the conversation around mobile AI towards Google's vision, and the issue of the longevity of mid-range handsets will remain a point of discussion. Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 Keeping your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025 Expert predicts how much an iPhone would cost if it was made in the US 02:17 The making and assembly of smartphone parts shifted to Asia decades ago, as American companies largely focused on software development and product design, which generate much higher profit margins. John Liu, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for software

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of software was in 1958

Cite this Entry

“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

software

noun
soft·​ware ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r How to pronounce software (audio)
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
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