As the word suggests, the word hardware usually refers to tools used to build something — “wares” that are “hard.” It also is used to refer to the computer equipment that stores and uses “software,” the programs used in computing.

The word hardware dates back to the early 16th Century, where it was used to indicate such items as tools and weapons. Nowadays, that meaning holds, with hardware stores traditionally specializing mainly in materials and tools for building and repairs. The military use of the word has also remained, referring to major weapons such as tanks and missiles. However, since 1947, the word hardware has also taken on an ironically softer meaning — that of the components of a computer system.

Definitions of hardware

n instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

Type of:
instrumentality, instrumentation

n major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Type of:
arms, implements of war, munition, weaponry, weapons system
weapons considered collectively


computer hardware
show 11 types...
hide 11 types...
C.P.U., CPU, central processing unit, central processor, mainframe, processor
computer memory, computer storage, memory, memory board, storage, store
an electronic memory device
computer hardware that arranges jobs to be done by the computer in an appropriate order
computer hardware that sorts data or programs into a predetermined sequence
hardware that provides better performance than an earlier version did
non-volatile storage, nonvolatile storage
computer storage that is not lost when the power is turned off
ROM, fixed storage, read-only memory, read-only storage
real storage
the main memory in a virtual memory system
(computer science) a high-speed internal memory used for temporary storage of preliminary information
virtual memory, virtual storage
(computer science) memory created by using the hard disk to simulate additional random-access memory; the addressable storage space available to the user of a computer system in which virtual addresses are mapped into real addresses
volatile storage
computer storage that is erased when the power is turned off
Type of:
component, constituent, element

Sign up, it's free!
