hardware

hard-ware · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (computing) The physical components of a computer system, as opposed to software.

  2. 2.

    Tools, machinery, and other metal goods sold in a hardware store.

  3. 3.

    Military weapons and equipment.

Related words

Antonyms: software
See also: computer, software, tools
Synonyms: equipment, machinery

Etymology

A compound of hard + ware ("goods, merchandise"), originally referring to metal goods and tools. The computing sense developed in the mid-20th century to distinguish physical components from programs (software).