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.
As Reuters notes, China's commerce ministry claims the new export control proposals would help limit potential misuse of AI technologies, such as those capable of generating and deploying autonomous malware targeting key civilian infrastructure. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 But if there is strong evidence of malware spreading from that server to other systems, the potential cost of waiting may be greater than the potential cost of isolating the server. — Asaf Wiener, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Now, though, researchers have strung 15 cheap TV boxes together to run an artificial intelligence model, raising the possibility that the computers inside these everyday gadgets could someday help spread autonomous, AI-powered malware. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 The research doesn’t describe the vulnerabilities exploited in the zero-click attacks or the final malware that was installed in them. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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

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