English · Word Candidate

software

/ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: softwares

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Lệnh máy tính được mã hóa

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

Some software will only run on a particular platform.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Con người tham gia vào chiến tranh, ngược với thiết bị như vũ khí và xe cộ

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “software” mean?

Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).

Is “software” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.