What does "hardware" mean?

1. (computing) the physical parts of a computer system, like the screen, keyboard, and internal chips. 2. (tools and fixtures) metal tools and items used for building or fixing things, such as hammers, nails, and door handles. 3. (medals or trophies) a slang way to talk about medals, trophies, or awards won in a competition. 4. (weapons) a slang word for guns or other weapons.

How do you use "hardware"?

Uncountable; do not use 'hardwares'. Uncountable; refers to the category of items rather than a single tool.

hardware

US //ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ// UK //hˈɑːdweə// hard·ware

1 computing (n.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

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.

Example

The technician had to open the laptop to replace some broken hardware.

Example

The latest gaming software requires high-end hardware to run smoothly at maximum resolution.

Usage

Uncountable; do not use 'hardwares'.
- equipment
- machinery
- software
2 tools and fixtures (n.)
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.

Example

We went to the store to buy some hardware for the new kitchen cabinets.

Example

The restoration project required specialized brass hardware to match the original nineteenth-century fittings.

Usage

Uncountable; refers to the category of items rather than a single tool.
- tools
- fixtures
- ironmongery

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 medals or trophies (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal Slang Sport

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.

Example

The Olympic swimmer returned home with a lot of gold hardware.

Example

After a dominant season, the team added several pieces of hardware to their trophy cabinet.

Teacher's tip

This is a common metaphor in sports journalism; it treats the heavy metal of a trophy as 'hardware'.
4 weapons (n.)
C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

a slang word for guns or other weapons.

a slang or informal reference to firearms or military weaponry.

Example

The police discovered heavy hardware hidden in the back of the van.

Example

The action movie featured characters carrying an unrealistic amount of high-tech hardware during the heist scene.

Origin

From Middle English hardware; equivalent to hard + -ware; attested since the mid-15th century.