: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities
Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph StairSmartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—Dan Goodin
Dan GoodinExamples of spyware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The ruling on May 6 marks a major win for privacy advocates that have fought against the company’s spyware.
—Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
Apple says Lockdown Mode has prevented spyware attacks in numerous cases.
—Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
This setup is commonly seen in spyware, where changes can be made after installation without alerting the user.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The cardinals will have no contact with the outside world while the deliberations are underway, the chapel will be swept for spyware bugs and all cell phones will be removed.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spyware
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Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
Apple says Lockdown Mode has prevented spyware attacks in numerous cases.
—Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
This setup is commonly seen in spyware, where changes can be made after installation without alerting the user.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The cardinals will have no contact with the outside world while the deliberations are underway, the chapel will be swept for spyware bugs and all cell phones will be removed.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spyware
Cite this Entry
“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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