software

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   (computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory

   the market for software is expected to expand

2. 2
   noun

   Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).

   The "software" comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like.

3. 3
   noun

   The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.

   The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente.

4. 4
   noun

   Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.

   […] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view

5. 5
   noun

   Soft goods, such as textiles.

   In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped.

Etymology

Computing sense from soft + -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”). Coined by John Tukey in 1958. The earlier sense of software to mean tangible products with a soft texture may have fallen out of common usage before the computing sense was created.