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.
As noted earlier, once a target complies, the malware validates it locally through the PAM API. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 Strategies + Advice As AI proliferates, malware is no longer the biggest threat to your system, according to CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Among the schemes cited by officials was ATM jackpotting, a technically sophisticated form of theft in which criminals manipulate ATMs through malware, network intrusion or physical tampering to trigger unauthorized cash withdrawals. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Surfshark also includes features like CleanWeb ad and malware blocking, private search, and a cookie pop-up blocker. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

malware

noun
: 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

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