hardware

[ hahrd-wair ]
/ ˈhɑrdˌwɛər /

noun

metalware, as tools, locks, hinges, or cutlery.
the mechanical equipment necessary for conducting an activity, usually distinguished from the theory and design that make the activity possible.
military weapons and combat equipment.
Slang. a weapon carried on one's person: The rougher types were asked to check their hardware at the door.
Computers. the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices comprising a computer system, as the CPU, disk drives, keyboard, or screen.
Compare software.

Origin of hardware

1505–15; 1955–60 for def 5; hard + ware1

Example sentences from the Web for hardware

British Dictionary definitions for hardware

hardware
/ (ˈhɑːdˌwɛə) /

noun

metal tools, implements, etc, esp cutlery or cooking utensils
computing the physical equipment used in a computer system, such as the central processing unit, peripheral devices, and memory Compare software
mechanical equipment, components, etc
heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missiles or their parts
informal a gun or guns collectively

Scientific definitions for hardware

hardware
[ härdwâr′ ]

A computer, its components, and its related equipment. Hardware includes disk drives, integrated circuits, display screens, cables, modems, speakers, and printers. Compare software.

Cultural definitions for hardware

hardware

The physical machinery and devices that make up a computer system. It is contrasted to software — the programs and instructions used to run the system.