spyware

noun

spy·​ware ˈspī-ˌwer How to pronounce spyware (audio)
: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities
Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair
Smartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—Dan Goodin

Examples of spyware 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.
Surfshark Antivirus helps keep all your devices free from viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware. — Stephanie Barnes, PC Magazine, 18 May 2026 Consider parental spyware, expert says Cyber experts said parents must know what their kids are doing on their devices. — Erika Stanish, CBS News, 7 May 2026 For example, strong antivirus software provides real-time protection against malware, spyware, ransomware and other online threats on a PC or Mac. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 Meta today accused spyware maker NSO Group of violating a court order that barred it from targeting users of WhatsApp. — ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spyware

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spyware was in 1994

Rhymes for spyware

See All Rhymes for spyware

Browse Nearby Words

Spyri
spyware
sq
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spyware

noun
spy·​ware ˈspī-ˌwer How to pronounce spyware (audio)
: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities

More from Merriam-Webster on spyware

Nglish: Translation of spyware for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spyware

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