Hardware Meaning

UK /ˈhɑːdweə/
US /ˈhɑːrdwɛr/
Word Definition
hardware meaning

Hardware Definition & Usage

noun

The physical components of a computer system or electronic device.

Examples

  • "My computer is outdated; I need to upgrade its hardware."
  • "The technician replaced the faulty hardware with a new motherboard."
  • "He’s always fascinated by computer hardware and spends his free time building PCs."
  • "The company invested heavily in new hardware to support the growing demand for their services."
  • "A lot of software problems are often linked to issues with hardware."
noun

Tools, machinery, and other durable equipment, especially those used in construction, repair, or other industrial tasks.

Examples

  • "The hardware store had everything from nails to power tools."
  • "She went to the hardware store to pick up a hammer and some screws."
  • "The contractor asked for more hardware for the renovation project."
  • "Farmers often rely on heavy-duty hardware like tractors and plows."
  • "For the garden project, we’ll need some new hardware like shovels and garden shears."

Cultural Context

The term 'hardware' originates from Old English and has been used to refer to durable, physical items for centuries. In modern contexts, its most common association is with technology, especially computers. The growth of digital devices and computing power has cemented 'hardware' as a technical term in the everyday lexicon.

The Tech Repair Shop

Story

The Tech Repair Shop

Jenna had always been interested in how things worked, from the simplest tools to the most complex machines. When she opened her tech repair shop, her love for 'hardware' became her livelihood. One day, a customer brought in a laptop with a damaged motherboard. Jenna carefully dismantled the laptop, inspecting each component of the 'hardware' to find the source of the problem. She quickly identified the faulty part and ordered a replacement. Later, she turned to a different task, repairing a broken drill. The 'hardware' of the tool was surprisingly complex, with gears and mechanical components that required delicate handling. As the day went on, Jenna realized just how much her shop relied on the right 'hardware'—whether it was a computer's internal parts or the tools used to fix them. It wasn’t just about technology; it was about the physical objects that made everything work.

The Tech Repair Shop