English dictionary

software Meaning & Definition

/ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə/

What Does Software Mean?

Software is used as a noun meaning Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). It can also mean The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.

Quick Facts About Software

Part of speech	noun
Pronunciation	//ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə//
Syllables	1
Synonyms	software system
Antonyms	hardware and computer hardware

Software Definition (Noun)

Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
Some software will only run on a particular platform.
The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.
Soft goods, such as textiles.

Synonyms of Software

software system

Software synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Software

hardware computer hardware

Software in a Sentence

Some software will only run on a particular platform.

Word Forms & Grammar

software (usually uncountable, plural software or (nonstandard) softwares)

Words That Rhyme With Software

despair glare debonair bare declare affair flare fair welfare aware air square fare unaware blare flair threadbare rare snare spare impair prepare repair ensnare nightmare lair castle in the air tear err wear

Origin of Software

Computing sense from soft +‎ -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”). Coined by John Tukey in 1958.[1][2] 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.

How Do You Say Software?

Software is pronounced //ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə// and has 1 syllable.

Questions People Ask About Software

What part of speech is software?

Software is a noun.

What is another word for software?

You can replace software with words such as software system. See the full list of software synonyms and antonyms.