# hardware

/ˈhɑɹdˌwɛɹ/ (US) · /hˈɑːdweə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hardware
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. computing

noun · CEFR B1

the physical parts of a computer system, like the screen, keyboard, and internal chips.

For teachers: the physical components of a computing system, such as the motherboard, CPU, and peripherals, as opposed to the programs or data.

- The technician had to open the laptop to replace some broken hardware.
- The latest gaming software requires high-end hardware to run smoothly at maximum resolution.

Usage: Uncountable; do not use 'hardwares'.

### 2. tools and fixtures

noun · CEFR B2

metal tools and items used for building or fixing things, such as hammers, nails, and door handles.

For teachers: metal goods and utensils used in construction, DIY, or home maintenance, typically sold in a dedicated store.

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

### 3. medals or trophies

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a slang way to talk about medals, trophies, or awards won in a competition.

For teachers: a collective reference to medals, trophies, or other physical awards won in sporting or professional competitions.

- The Olympic swimmer returned home with a lot of gold hardware.
- After a dominant season, the team added several pieces of hardware to their trophy cabinet.

Teaching tip: This is a common metaphor in sports journalism; it treats the heavy metal of a trophy as 'hardware'.

### 4. weapons

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a slang word for guns or other weapons.

For teachers: a slang or informal reference to firearms or military weaponry.

- The police discovered heavy hardware hidden in the back of the van.
- The action movie featured characters carrying an unrealistic amount of high-tech hardware during the heist scene.

## Examples

- You need to upgrade your hardware to run this new game.
- The technician replaced the damaged hardware inside the server to prevent the system from crashing again.
- While software updates can improve performance, the underlying hardware eventually becomes obsolete as processing demands outpace the physical capabilities of older silicon chips.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.