# spyware

/ˈspaɪˌwɛɹ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spyware
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

software that someone hides on your computer or phone to watch what you do. It can steal your passwords, read your messages, or track where you go online.

For teachers: software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data secretly from their hard drive.

## Examples

- I installed an antivirus program to remove the spyware from my laptop.
- The security team discovered spyware on several company phones that was designed to record private conversations and steal login credentials.
- Modern spyware often disguises itself as legitimate system updates, making it increasingly difficult for average users to detect the unauthorized collection of their personal data.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable; typically used with 'a piece of' or 'an instance of' to refer to a specific program.

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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.