software
noun
soft·ware
ˈsȯft-ˌwer 
: something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: such as
a
: programs for a computer
accounting software
b
dated
: the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a mechanical or electronic system and especially a computer system
c
: materials for use with audiovisual equipment
… television programs, music, and movies are now called software, by the way …—
Robert Bixby
Robert BixbyExamples of software in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Uforce is developing several defense technologies, including counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), maritime and strike drones and battlefield software.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Popular tax software tiers can range from $30 to more than $100, plus additional fees for state filings.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Lawmakers in more than 20 states have introduced over five dozen bills seeking to honor Kirk, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural.
—David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
The space will be used for engineering, training, software development and other support functions.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for software
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Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Popular tax software tiers can range from $30 to more than $100, plus additional fees for state filings.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Lawmakers in more than 20 states have introduced over five dozen bills seeking to honor Kirk, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural.
—David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
The space will be used for engineering, training, software development and other support functions.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for software
Cite this Entry
“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
software
noun
soft·ware
ˈsȯf-ˌtwa(ə)r
-ˌtwe(ə)r
: the programs and related information used by a computer
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