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.
Polymorphic malware can change hashes, strings and structure while preserving the same objective. — Ken Ammon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The incident is one of the few times a BGP hijacking has been known to be used to spread malware. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 To reassure the users that their local data is secure, and that no malware will be downloaded to their devices, the team open-sourced their scheduling software. — Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Sep. 2026 Once the device is infected, the malware downloads additional packages designed to join the device to a botnet used for malicious proxy services and ad fraud. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for malware

See All Rhymes for malware

Browse Nearby Words

mal vu
malware
mam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malware

noun
ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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