: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection by blocking malware, ransomware and malicious downloads across your devices, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Alas, my family at that moment was infected with some very scary malware.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
According to the indictment, the group used specialized malware to compromise ATMs and force them to dispense cash on command.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025
These links are designed to install malware or steal your personal and financial information.
—Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Alas, my family at that moment was infected with some very scary malware.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
According to the indictment, the group used specialized malware to compromise ATMs and force them to dispense cash on command.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025
These links are designed to install malware or steal your personal and financial information.
—Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 6 Jan. 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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