: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Social engineering, adversary-in-the-middle attacks and information-stealing malware have all contributed to this ransomware resurgence.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Hide your IP address, block intrusive ads and malware with CleanWeb, and browse confidently even on unsecured public networks.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2025
Use strong antivirus software: To guard against malware or phishing attacks that could compromise access to your online health accounts, be sure to use strong antivirus software.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Aura Cost Plans from $9 to $25 per month, billed annually
Standout features
Protects against identity theft, financial fraud, spam calls, online theft, scam websites, viruses and malware.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malware
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Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Hide your IP address, block intrusive ads and malware with CleanWeb, and browse confidently even on unsecured public networks.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2025
Use strong antivirus software: To guard against malware or phishing attacks that could compromise access to your online health accounts, be sure to use strong antivirus software.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Aura Cost Plans from $9 to $25 per month, billed annually
Standout features
Protects against identity theft, financial fraud, spam calls, online theft, scam websites, viruses and malware.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 25 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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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