Definition of "hardware" in English

noun

1. Fixtures, equipment, fasteners, tools, and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.

   • He needed a hammer, nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other assorted hardware, so he went to the hardware store.

2. (informal) Equipment.

   • military hardware

3. (computing) The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.

4. (technology) Electronic equipment.

5. Metal implements.

   • The designers have put their logo on the hardware of this bag here.

6. (slang) A firearm.

7. (slang) Medals or trophies.

8. (Philippines) Ellipsis of hardware store.