: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Clicking on this forum link will trigger a .zip file download containing malware.
—
Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Meaning, that malware has a harder time stealing data from other parts of the system.
—Joseph Cox, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
The motivation for spear phishing is typically to trick people into giving away sensitive information or downloading malware, according to IBM.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Actually Practical Magic Cursing your kid’s school messaging system that contacts you three times a day with malware.
—Anna Pook, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for malware 
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Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Meaning, that malware has a harder time stealing data from other parts of the system.
—Joseph Cox, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
The motivation for spear phishing is typically to trick people into giving away sensitive information or downloading malware, according to IBM.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Actually Practical Magic Cursing your kid’s school messaging system that contacts you three times a day with malware.
—Anna Pook, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for malware
Dictionary Entries Near malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology
mal- bad + software
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