: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In at least some of the recent cases, this involved infiltrating the victim’ delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats with malware, allowing thieves to learn the victim’s address and other key information.
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Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Google and other security providers have since concluded that UNC1069 was likely behind the Axios hack, pointing to the malware used.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
After gaining access, the attackers used malware to wipe data on thousands of computers at oil giant Saudi Aramco, disrupting business operations.
—William Akoto, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Megan Cassidy, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
Google and other security providers have since concluded that UNC1069 was likely behind the Axios hack, pointing to the malware used.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
After gaining access, the attackers used malware to wipe data on thousands of computers at oil giant Saudi Aramco, disrupting business operations.
—William Akoto, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malware
noun
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Legal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: 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
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