malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Persistence refers to techniques that prevent malware from being removed from a system even after a reboot. David Chou, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 Regular updates and real-time scanning protect you from malware and phishing that could compromise your accounts. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025 The lawsuit itself lists dozens of internet domains operated by Cloudflare, GoDaddy and NameCheap that Google has linked to the malware. PC Magazine, 17 July 2025 Today’s cyber threat profile includes new innovations, such as malware that adapts in real-time and attacks that resemble conversations rather than breaches. William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for malware

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malware was in 1990

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Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

malware

noun
ˈmal-ˌwer
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Legal Definition

malware

noun
mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology

mal- bad + software

More from Merriam-Webster on malware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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