WordGarden.iohardware
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɑːdweə/
US
- /ˈhɑrdˌwɛr/
Meanings
Noun
the physical parts of a computer or digital device, as opposed to software
tools, fasteners, fittings, and other practical building or repair supplies
weapons, vehicles, and other military equipment
Beyond the definition
"Hardware" is not just nails and hammers. It can mean the physical tools and metal parts used for building or fixing things, like door hardware, plumbing hardware, or parts for musical instruments. In modern everyday use, though, it often means the physical parts of a computer, phone, or other device. Think of your phone: the screen, the buttons, the camera. That is all hardware. It is the part you can touch, unlike software, which is the set of instructions that tells the machine what to do. A carpenter might buy hardware at a home improvement store, while a gamer might upgrade their computer hardware for better performance.
The word "hardware" has a fascinating double life! Originally, it simply referred to metallic goods sold by hardware merchants—things like nails, screws, hinges, tools, and other metal components used in construction and repair. If you needed to fix a leaky faucet or build a fence, you'd head to the hardware store. This meaning still exists today; think of "kitchen hardware" referring to cabinet knobs and pulls.
However, with the rise of computers, "hardware" took on a second major meaning: the physical components of a computer or other electronic device. This includes everything from the central processing unit (CPU) and memory chips to the keyboard, mouse, monitor, hard drive, screen, speakers, and camera. It's all the stuff you can physically touch, as opposed to "software," which is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Think of it like this: a band needs both instruments and sheet music. The instruments are the hardware; the sheet music is the software. One doesn't work well without the other! You might say, "My computer is running slowly because I need to upgrade its hardware," or "The new phone has impressive camera hardware."
So whether you're building a birdhouse or upgrading your gaming rig, "hardware" refers to real, physical parts: the tools and metal pieces used in building and repair, or the touchable parts of a computer or other device.
Examples
- 1
Computer parts
I need to upgrade the hardware on my laptop before I can run that program.
- 2
Software contrast
The software is free, but the hardware is expensive.
- 3
Office equipment
Our office ordered new hardware after several computers started failing.
- 4
Hardware store
She stopped at the hardware store to buy paint and a new hammer.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mounting parts
The shelf came with all the mounting hardware, so we didn't need extra screws.
- Phrasemounting hardware
the screws, bolts, and other small parts used to attach something
- 6
Cabinet fittings
The architect chose simple black hardware for the kitchen cabinets.
- 7
Military equipment
The museum has a section on military hardware from the Second World War.
- Domainmilitary hardware
weapons, vehicles, and other army equipment
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- computer hardware
- hardware upgrade
- hardware failure
- hardware requirements
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hardwarenoun