software

[ sawft-wair, soft- ]

noun

1. Computers. the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. Compare hardware ( def 3 ).
2. anything that is not hardware but is used with hardware, especially audiovisual materials, as film, tapes, records, etc.:

   a studio fully equipped but lacking software.

3. Television Slang. prepackaged materials, as movies or reruns, used to fill out the major part of a station's program schedule.

software

/ ˈsɒftˌwɛə /

noun

1. computing the programs that can be used with a particular computer system Compare hardware
2. video cassettes and discs for use with a particular video system

software

/ sôft′wâr′ /

1. The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
2. Compare hardware

software

1. The programs and instructions that run a computer , as opposed to the actual physical machinery and devices that compose the hardware .

Word History and Origins

Origin of software¹

First recorded in 1955–60; soft + ware ¹

Related Words

• application
• application software
• program