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.
Most real-world cybercrime still relies on easier and cheaper methods, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, stealing credentials, phishing, malware and ransomware. — Chetan Jaiswal, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 No malware, no exploit, just an authorized credential doing what it was provisioned to do, which is why the usual defenses never fired. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Protect your devices from malicious follow-up links Credential stuffing does not require malware on your phone or computer. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 So much so, in fact, that cybersecurity researchers warn that criminals can easily weaponize delusional AI outputs to spread malware throughout the internet. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 29 July 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

Rhymes for malware

See All Rhymes for malware

Browse Nearby Words

mal vu
malware
mam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malware

noun
ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on malware

Nglish: Translation of malware for Spanish Speakers

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