hardware
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the physical parts of a computer system, like the screen, keyboard, and internal chips.
the physical components of a computing system, such as the motherboard, CPU, and peripherals, as opposed to the programs or data.
Simple“The technician had to open the laptop to replace some broken hardware.”
In context“The latest gaming software requires high-end hardware to run smoothly at maximum resolution.”
UsageUncountable; do not use 'hardwares'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
metal tools and items used for building or fixing things, such as hammers, nails, and door handles.
metal goods and utensils used in construction, DIY, or home maintenance, typically sold in a dedicated store.
Simple“We went to the store to buy some hardware for the new kitchen cabinets.”
In context“The restoration project required specialized brass hardware to match the original nineteenth-century fittings.”
UsageUncountable; refers to the category of items rather than a single tool.
- 03 C1 Advanced
a slang way to talk about medals, trophies, or awards won in a competition.
a collective reference to medals, trophies, or other physical awards won in sporting or professional competitions.
Simple“The Olympic swimmer returned home with a lot of gold hardware.”
In context“After a dominant season, the team added several pieces of hardware to their trophy cabinet.”
Teacher's tipThis is a common metaphor in sports journalism; it treats the heavy metal of a trophy as 'hardware'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a slang word for guns or other weapons.
a slang or informal reference to firearms or military weaponry.
Simple“The police discovered heavy hardware hidden in the back of the van.”
In context“The action movie featured characters carrying an unrealistic amount of high-tech hardware during the heist scene.”
“Samsung didn't have to change much this year because its hardware is just that good.”
“There aren't many villages where you can walk into a jewellers, a hardware shop, or a cafe, and hear stories about one of the world's biggest music icons.”
From Middle English hardware; equivalent to hard + -ware; attested since the mid-15th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.