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
Bahrain is licensing SandboxAQ’s AI software to accelerate target discovery and develop drugs and therapies.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
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, 29 Dec. 2025
In 2025, the definition of AI agent shifted from the academic framing of systems that perceive, reason and act to AI company Anthropic’s description of large language models that are capable of using software tools and taking autonomous action.
—Thomas Şerban Von Davier, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025
As part of the Brex rewards program, instead of flat cashback, the Brex card earns up to 7X points on ride-share services, 4X points on Brex travel, 3X points on restaurants, 2X points on recurring software.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
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Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
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, 29 Dec. 2025
In 2025, the definition of AI agent shifted from the academic framing of systems that perceive, reason and act to AI company Anthropic’s description of large language models that are capable of using software tools and taking autonomous action.
—Thomas Şerban Von Davier, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025
As part of the Brex rewards program, instead of flat cashback, the Brex card earns up to 7X points on ride-share services, 4X points on Brex travel, 3X points on restaurants, 2X points on recurring software.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for software
Cite this Entry
“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/software. Accessed 1 Jan. 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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