freeware

[ free-wair ]

noun

1. computer software distributed without charge.

freeware

/ ˈfriːˌwɛə /

noun

1. computer software that may be distributed and used without payment

freeware

/ frē′wâr′ /

1. Software that is available to users for free. Freeware is often made available for downloading over the Internet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of freeware¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

In early March, Smirnova shared a statement about her thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war on Telegram – a freeware instant messaging system where posts can be shared with the public.

From Fox News

The game arrived in 2013 as a freeware project authored by a Swedish IT professional named Anton Wallén, right as Google was working to fill in the gaps to worldwide camera coverage.

From The Verge

Here’s the caveat: If you weren’t actively looking for a particular program, do NOT download freeware you find on the internet.

From Fox News

It doesn’t help that Facebook’s first tests look like flat banner ads from a website or freeware game.

From The Verge

“I found an Internet forum of people who were doing freeware games, where you make a game and give it for free on the Internet,” Robinson Swink says.

From Washington Post