US /ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ/ UK /ˈhɑːdˌwɛə/
noun Freq #7578

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    The physical parts of a computer, such as the screen, keyboard, and circuits.

    You may need new hardware to run this software.

  2. 2
    noun

    Tools, equipment, and metal parts used for building and repairs.

    He went to the hardware store to buy nails and screws.

  3. 3
    noun

    Heavy military equipment such as weapons and vehicles.

    The army displayed its latest military hardware in the parade.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 noun · the physical parts of a... computer hardware
2 noun · tools, equipment, and metal... ironware
Word family
Derived forms biohardwarehardware-acceleratedhardwarelesshardwaremanhardwarilynonhardware
Related forms softwarevaporware

Etymology

From Middle English hardware; equivalent to hard + -ware; attested since the mid-15th century.

View etymology graph ->

Topics

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