malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer 

: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Third-party audits ensure that their promises are kept, and a suite of extra features like an adblocker, malware screener, and secure cloud storage add even more value. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Traditional security can help block malware or stop an unauthorized login. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Security features Ransomware and malware protection, cloud backup, phishing prevention and access to a password manager and their smart firewall. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for malware

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

malware

noun

ˈmal-ˌwer 

: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Legal Definition

malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer 

: 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