Langimage
English

hardware

|hard/ware|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈhɑːrdˌwɛr/

🇬🇧

/ˈhɑːdˌwɛə/

physical equipment

Etymology
Etymology Information

'hardware' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'heord' meaning 'herd' and 'waru' meaning 'wares'.

Historical Evolution

'heordwaru' transformed into the Middle English word 'hardeware', and eventually became the modern English word 'hardware'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'goods or wares', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'tools and machinery'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

tools, machinery, and other durable equipment.

The hardware store sells a variety of tools and equipment.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

the physical components of a computer system.

The technician replaced the faulty hardware in the computer.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45