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

The natural wood grain and sleek black hardware is a nice touch, too. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024

The Coach Tabby bag with black hardware serves as a stealth style statement that ties the whole outfit together in a bow. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

Some are betting that new AI hardware could be the vessel to help bring the technology into more people’s hands. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 18 Nov. 2024

Although the hardware is good, the Virtuoso Max’s software falls short. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 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