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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near hardware

Cite this Entry

“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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
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