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.
Microsoft said on Wednesday, May 21 its Digital Crimes Unit partnered with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to disrupt an information-stealing malware that infected hundreds of thousands of Windows computers in the last two months. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 22 May 2025 Microsoft severed communications between the malware and its victims in addition to seizing over 1,300 domains used by the malware. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 These emails might include malicious links designed to install malware or steal login information. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 In that case, a University of Michigan computer scientist testified that an attacker could tamper with the QR codes to change voter selections and install malware on the machines. Charlotte Kramon, Twin Cities, 19 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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

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