hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer 

1

: ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose

educational hardware

: such as

a

: military equipment

b

: the physical components (such as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (such as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (such as a computer)

3

: an award (such as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition

Synonyms

• accoutrements
• accouterments
• apparatus
• equipment
• gear
• kit [chiefly British]
• material(s)
• matériel
• materiel
• outfit
• paraphernalia
• stuff
• tackle

Examples of hardware in a Sentence

She bought some new hardware for her system.

gathered together the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line for the marathon

Recent Examples on the Web

Alongside what appear to be modest improvements in camera hardware, the Snapdragon 8 Elite will do most of the heavy lifting to bring significant improvements in AI, features, camera quality and overall performance to the Galaxy S25 range. —Paul Monckton, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Complete the look with matte black hardware, dark countertops, and a natural wood vanity. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition earns it this time with top-tier hardware construction and the latest, most potent silicon Intel has for AI processing. —PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025

Yes, that audio hardware results in this being a thick set by 2025 standards — especially for an OLED. —Chris Welch, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hardware

• hardware cloth

Kids Definition

hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r 

-ˌdwe(ə)r

1

: articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal

2

: the equipment used for a particular purpose

computer hardware

military hardware