hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer How to pronounce hardware (audio)
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

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
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.
Many companies are great at building hardware or software prototypes, but anywhere customer needs and use cases vary widely, the real challenge lies in continuously testing, refining and rethinking every aspect of the product—even after the launch. Ram Nikhil Dodda, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Are these new products going to incentivize companies to shell out more money to get the newest hardware after spending a lot on the current version of Blackwell and the prior generation known as Hopper? Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025 When a droplet was squashed by moving the acoustic hardware closer together, smaller droplets started to split off its surface and levitate around it. Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 Tariffs haven’t yet hit the supply chain at Anawalt in Malibu, but the hardware store and lumber seller is bracing for steep price hikes in the coming weeks. Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hardware

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardware was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hardware

noun
hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r How to pronounce hardware (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on hardware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!