DictionaryAI

hardware

noun
HARD-wair/ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ/UKHAHD-wair/ˈhɑːdˌwɛə/

8 meanings of hardware

Practice

  1. 1
    noununcountable
    Tools, nails, screws, hinges, and other metal parts used to build or fix things.

    Like the box of nails, screws, and small tools a builder keeps for fixing things around the house.

    We bought all the hardware we needed to hang the new shelves.

    The drawer was full of hardware like hinges, screws, and bolts.

    Similarfittings, fixtures, ironmongery

    Note
  2. 2
    noununcountable
    The physical parts of a computer, like the chips and circuit boards inside it.

    Like the parts of a car you can touch and replace, not the driving instructions you give.

    Adding more memory means opening the case and changing the hardware.

    A virus can damage your files, but it usually leaves the hardware alone.

    Oppositesoftware

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncolloquialuncountable
    Equipment or gear needed for a job or activity.

    The band loaded all their hardware into the van after the show.

    You'll need the right hardware before you start the project.

    Similarequipment, gear, kit

    Note
  4. 4
    noununcountable
    Electronic devices and machines, such as radios, amplifiers, or recording gear.

    The studio spent thousands on new audio hardware.

    Engineers tested the hardware before the satellite launch.

    Similarequipment, gear, kit

    Oppositesoftware

    Note
  5. 5
    noununcountable
    Tools, fittings, and other objects made of metal.

    The old chest was decorated with shiny brass hardware.

    All the hardware on the boat was made of stainless steel to resist rust.

    Similarironmongery, ironwork, metalwork

    Note
  6. 6
    nounslanguncountable
    A gun, especially one carried as a weapon.

    He kept his hardware tucked under the seat of the car.

    The detective asked whether the suspect was carrying any hardware.

    Similarfirearms, weaponry, heat, iron, artillery

    Note
  7. 7
    nounslanguncountable
    Medals and trophies that someone has won.

    The swimmer came home from the meet with a shelf full of hardware.

    Their team finally won some hardware this season.

    Similarsilverware, trophies, medals, honors

    Note
  8. 8
    nounPhilippinesuncountableabbreviationellipsis
    Short for hardware store. Use it for the shop where you buy tools, nails, and supplies.

    I'm running to the hardware to grab some paint and brushes.

    The hardware on Main Street closes at six.

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of hardware apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English "hardware," made from "hard" plus "-ware." It has been used since the mid-1400s.