software UK /ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə/US /ˈsɔf(t)ˌwɛɹ/noun 4forms 1phrases 1 noun4 •the coded orders that make a computer do its workSome software will only run on a particular platform. •(old-fashioned) Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.[…] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view — 1979 •The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente. — 1989 •(no longer used) Soft goods, such as textiles.In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped. — 1889 formssoftwares Phrases with software kitchen table softwareA set of computer programs developed by an entrepreneurial advanced amateur or self-employed professional computer programmer in their own home; software developed by a small business using the services of such programmers.
