# hardware

Pronunciation: US say "HARD-wair" /ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ/; UK say "HAHD-wair" /ˈhɑːdˌwɛə/

## Noun

1. Fixtures, fasteners, tools, and devices used for building, repairing, or assembling structures and objects.
   - Simple: Tools, nails, screws, hinges, and other metal parts used to build or fix things.
   - _The contractor ordered cabinet hardware (hinges, pulls, and brackets) for the kitchen remodel._
   - _Loose hardware on the gate finally caused it to sag off its post._
2. The physical parts of a computer that cannot be changed without replacing or physically modifying them, such as the motherboard and expansion cards.
   - Simple: The physical parts of a computer, like the chips and circuit boards inside it.
   - _Upgrading the graphics card required hardware that the old motherboard couldn't support._
   - _The lab replaced aging server hardware to handle the heavier processing load._
3. Equipment or gear, especially the physical items needed for a particular job or activity. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: Equipment or gear needed for a job or activity.
   - _The film crew hauled their hardware up the mountain for the shoot._
   - _Climbers check every piece of hardware before attempting the ascent._
4. Physical electronic devices and machines, regarded collectively as equipment.
   - Simple: Electronic devices and machines, such as radios, amplifiers, or recording gear.
   - _The recording engineer prefers analog hardware to digital plugins._
   - _Faulty hardware in the broadcast booth knocked the station off the air._
5. Tools, fittings, and other implements made of metal.
   - Simple: Tools, fittings, and other objects made of metal.
   - _The blacksmith displayed an array of iron hardware at the county fair._
   - _Antique furniture often features hand-forged hardware rather than cast pieces._
6. A firearm, especially a handgun. *(slang)*
   - Simple: A gun, especially one carried as a weapon.
   - _Word on the street was that they'd brought hardware to the meeting._
   - _She refused to drive him anywhere once she spotted the hardware in his bag._
7. Medals, trophies, or similar awards, especially viewed as a collection won in competition. *(slang)*
   - Simple: Medals and trophies that someone has won.
   - _The veteran quarterback retired without ever adding a championship to his hardware._
   - _She cleared a space on the mantel for her new hardware after the tournament._
8. Ellipsis of hardware store. *(Philippines)* — Ellipsis of hardware store.
   - Simple: Short for hardware store. Use it for the shop where you buy tools, nails, and supplies.
   - _She picked up a new wrench at the hardware down the block._
   - _Every small town used to have a hardware on the corner._

## Origin

From Middle English "hardware," formed from "hard" and the suffix "-ware," and attested since the mid-15th century.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/hardware (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).