software
SOF-weh-uh
Software (noun) means Programs and coded instructions that run on a computer, as opposed to the physical hardware. Example: “Our school uses free software to teach children how to write simple programs.”
noun
1
Programs and coded instructions that run on a computer, as opposed to the physical hardware.
"Our school uses free software to teach children how to write simple programs."
"The company sells accounting software to small businesses."
"You need to update the software before the new features will work."
How to use software
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe programs and code that make a computer or device actually do things, as opposed to its physical parts.
Common mistake
Software is uncountable in standard use — say "a piece of software" or "some software," not "a software."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
install software
software update
software developer
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Word forms
- Plural
- softwares
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Our school uses free _____ to teach children how to write simple programs.
Etymology
Coined in 1958 by statistician John Tukey, built from soft plus -ware on the model of hardware — the "hard" physical machine versus the "soft," changeable instructions that run on it.
Class of 1958
software joined the language around 1958.
See the full Class of 1958 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for software
See all rhymes for software →Frequently asked questions
What does “software” mean?
The word “software” means programs and coded instructions that run on a computer, as opposed to the physical hardware. In plain terms, the programs and code that make a computer or device actually do things, as opposed to its physical parts.
How do you pronounce “software”?
“Software” is pronounced SOF-weh-uh (/ˈsɔf(t)ˌwɛɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “software” in a sentence?
Here is “software” used in a sentence: “The company sells accounting software to small businesses.”
What is another word for “software”?
Words with a similar meaning to “software” include program and app.
What part of speech is “software”?
“Software” is a noun.
Where does the word “software” come from?
The word “software” dates back to around 1958. Coined in 1958 by statistician John Tukey, built from soft plus -ware on the model of hardware — the "hard" physical machine versus the "soft," changeable instructions that run on it.
Is “software” a common word?
“Software” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between software and hardware?
Software is the set of programs and coded instructions that tell a computer what to do, intangible and easily changed. Hardware is the physical equipment that runs it: the processor, memory, screen, and keyboard. Put simply, hardware is the machine you can touch, and software is what brings it to life.
What are the main types of software?
Software falls into two broad groups. System software, such as an operating system and its drivers, runs the computer itself. Application software, such as word processors, browsers, and games, helps users perform specific tasks. Other categories include utilities, firmware, and the programming tools used to create new software.
What is an example of software?
Everyday examples include operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Android; applications like Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and Photoshop; and the apps and games on a phone. Each is a set of coded instructions that runs on hardware to perform a task, rather than a physical part of the device.
Can software work without hardware?
No. Software is only a set of instructions, so it needs physical hardware, including a processor, memory, and storage, to run on and carry those instructions out. Hardware without software sits idle, and software without hardware cannot do anything. The two depend on each other to make a computer work.
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