hardware

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in computer science, the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system

   My hardware clearly needs an upgrade.

2. 2
   noun

   Fixtures, equipment, fasteners, tools, and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.

   He needed a hammer, nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other assorted hardware, so he went to the hardware store.

3. 3
   noun

   Equipment.

   military hardware

4. 4
   noun

   The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc.

   Hardware is the generally accepted colloquism for anything inside a computer other than an engineer.

5. 5
   noun

   Metal implements.

   The designers have put their logo on the hardware of this bag here.

6. 6
   noun

   major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

7. 7
   noun

   instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

8. 8
   noun

   Electronic equipment.

Etymology

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