What does hardware mean?
Hardware most commonly means the physical components of a computer or other machine, such as processors, memory, screens, keyboards, and circuit boards. It can also refer more broadly to tools, equipment, or machinery, as in industrial hardware or military hardware. In computing, the word is usually treated as an uncountable mass noun, emphasizing a category of physical components rather than a countable set of objects. Hardware is often distinguished from software, which refers to programs and data rather than physical equipment. The word entered English as a compound of hard and ware, with ware meaning goods or articles. Its modern technical meaning developed as machines and electronic systems became central to everyday life. Hardware can also function as a rare verb, meaning to equip something with physical components or, in older usage, to make something hard. Today, the noun is by far the dominant form, carrying the practical implication of the tangible, material components on which larger systems depend.
The physical components of a computer, machine, or other device; more broadly, tools, equipment, or machinery considered collectively.
"The new hardware is scheduled to arrive next week."
Usually uncountable in modern usage, especially when referring to a class of computer or machine components.
Rarely, to equip or provide with hardware; in older usage, to make or become hard.
"The installer hardware the system with a ruggedized display."
This verb is uncommon and generally archaic or highly technical.
Rare; hardware is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The museum collection includes several examples of early mechanical hardwares."
Hardware is the tangible half of computing: the parts you can actually touch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hardware come from?
Hardware is an English compound formed from hard and ware. The element ware is an old English word for goods or articles and also appears in related forms such as aware, beware, and warehouse. The compound originally referred broadly to physical goods and equipment, before becoming especially prominent in technical and computing contexts for the tangible components of machines. Its verb uses are much older and less common in modern English.
How hardware is actually used
In modern computing, hardware is normally an uncountable mass noun. The plural is uncommon and appears chiefly in specialized or older contexts. The verb is rare and largely archaic or technical.
Easily confused with hardware
Software consists of the programs and instructions that run on a computer, whereas hardware consists of its physical components.
Hardware means physical equipment or components, while hardwood means wood obtained from broad-leaved trees.