malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware 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.
Clicking on this forum link will trigger a .zip file download containing malware. Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Meaning, that malware has a harder time stealing data from other parts of the system. Joseph Cox, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024 The motivation for spear phishing is typically to trick people into giving away sensitive information or downloading malware, according to IBM. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Actually Practical Magic Cursing your kid’s school messaging system that contacts you three times a day with malware. Anna Pook, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malware 

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malware was in 1990

Dictionary Entries Near malware

Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

malware

noun
ˈmal-ˌwer
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Legal Definition

malware

noun
mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology

mal- bad + software

More from Merriam-Webster on malware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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