software
Software (noun) means Programs and coded instructions that run on a computer, as opposed to the physical hardware. Example: “The company sells accounting software to small businesses.”
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.
Software is uncountable in standard use — say "a piece of software" or "some software," not "a software."
Word forms
software plural, softwares plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company sells accounting _____ to small businesses.
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.
Synonyms
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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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