hardware

noun

hard·​ware ˈhärd-ˌwer How to pronounce hardware (audio)
Synonyms of hardwarenext
1
: ware (such as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2
: major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose
educational hardware
: such as
a
: military equipment
b
: the physical components (such as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (such as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (such as a computer)
3
: an award (such as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition

Synonyms of hardware

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Examples of hardware in a Sentence

She bought some new hardware for her system. gathered together the hardware needed to set up a first aid station at the finish line for the marathon
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.
The gold horsebit hardware just elevates the style that much further and makes the shoe look so much more expensive. — Megan Schaltegger, InStyle, 8 July 2026 The Ultra costs $199 for hardware plus Fi’s existing $99-per-six-months membership. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Prime Video’s The Boys also will be looking to add more hardware for its fifth and final season with five nominations in crafts category and stunts. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 July 2026 As launching hardware becomes routine, demand for these bespoke capabilities will likely keep growing, regardless of who does the building. — Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardware

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardware was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing hardware

Rhymes for hardware

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Browse Nearby Words

hard wall plaster
hardware
hardware cloth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hardware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardware. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hardware

noun
hard·​ware ˈhär-ˌdwa(ə)r How to pronounce hardware (audio)
-ˌdwe(ə)r
1
: articles (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2
: the equipment used for a particular purpose
computer hardware
military hardware

More from Merriam-Webster on hardware

Nglish: Translation of hardware for Spanish Speakers

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