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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans. Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 14 May 2025 Owner provides software to manage mobile food orders, organize marketing campaigns, generate a search engine-friendly website, build a mobile app and set up a loyalty program, all without needing to write a single line of code. Stephen Pastis, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Since then, Microsoft has continued to modify the software's design in bits and pieces, both for individual apps and for foundational UI elements like the Taskbar, system tray, and Windows Explorer. ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025 Hinge, founded in 2014, uses software to help patients treat acute musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain and carry out post-surgery rehabilitation remotely. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 13 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 17 May. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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