hardware

hardware hard‧ware [ˈhɑːdweə ǁ ˈhɑːrdwer] noun [uncountable]

1. COMPUTING computer equipment, rather than the programs that make it work:

• Unix runs on most types of computer hardware.

• An upgrade (= improvement ) in our hardware helped us cope with an expected rise in demand.

— compare firmware, software

2. equipment and tools for homes and gardens:

• If the housing market is strong, hardware and electrical products benefit.

3. the machinery and equipment needed to do something:

• the shipment of US tanks and other military hardware to Saudi Arabia

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hardware UK US /ˈhɑːdweə^r/ noun [U]

► IT the physical and electronic parts of a computer or other piece of equipment, rather than its software: »

The growth of the computer and consumer electronics industries is driven by a steady stream of advances in both hardware and software.

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Its primary product is networking hardware.

► metal tools, materials, and equipment, such as hammers and nails: »

Environmental protection has increasingly affected the production of building materials and hardware.

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If we make it easier for the hardware stores to sell our products, that helps us.

► equipment, especially for industrial or military use: »

The company's principal lines of business are air compressors, architectural hardware products, and construction equipment.

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The modern-day battlefield is more congested than ever before with aircraft and military hardware.