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

A week ago, Microsoft appeared to shutdown avenues to moving to Windows 11 on PCs that didn’t meet the TPM 2.0 hardware hurdle. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

The firm used slab-front doors with no visible hardware to create a sleek, uninterrupted flow. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024

My demos were with early versions of hardware and software, which is why I was not allowed to capture any photos or videos of my experience. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024

These are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores or home centers. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024

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