: 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
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph StairSmartphones 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
Dan GoodinExamples of spyware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But instead of a helpful app, the link downloaded spyware giving hackers access to the device's camera, location and all its data.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
But instead of a helpful app, the link downloaded spyware giving hackers access to the device’s camera, location and all its data.
—David Klepper, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The company also noted that iPhones that activate Lockdown Mode, which can protect users from spyware threats, can also block DarkSword.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
Amid reports of powerful spyware targeting iPhones, Apple is urging users to update their devices as soon as possible.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spyware
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ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
But instead of a helpful app, the link downloaded spyware giving hackers access to the device’s camera, location and all its data.
—David Klepper, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The company also noted that iPhones that activate Lockdown Mode, which can protect users from spyware threats, can also block DarkSword.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
Amid reports of powerful spyware targeting iPhones, Apple is urging users to update their devices as soon as possible.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spyware
Cite this Entry
“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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