Software definition

sôftwâr, sŏft-
The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.
noun
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The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
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The programs, routines, etc. for a computer or computer system.
noun
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Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an electronic device which make it run.

An example of software is Excel or Windows or iTunes.

noun
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The programs and routines for a computer system. System software includes programs and routines required to run the computer. Application software includes programs that enable users to perform tasks that use computer resources. Synonymous with software program. See also firmware, grayware, hardware, and freeware.
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(computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.
noun
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See also software.
hyponyms
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Origin of software

  • From soft +"Ž -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself"). Coined 1953 by Paul Niquette; first used in print by John Tukey 1958.

    From Wiktionary