freeware
n.n. software that you can download and use for free. Unlike some free trials, you never have to pay for it, though the creator still owns the rights.
n. software distributed at no monetary cost to the end user, while the author retains copyright and control over the source code.
I downloaded some freeware to edit my photos.
Many independent developers release their utility tools as freeware to build a reputation within the tech community.
While freeware allows for wide distribution without financial barriers, users should distinguish it from open-source software, which provides access to the underlying code for modification.
A compound formed from the adjective free and the noun software. The term was coined by Andrew Fluegelman in 1982 to describe the distribution method for his communications program, PC-Talk.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
I downloaded three freewares.I downloaded three pieces of freeware.Freeware is uncountable; use 'pieces of' or 'programs' to count individual items.
Last updated July 22, 2026