hardware
gb/hˈɑɹdwˌɛɹ/ us/hˈɑɹdwˌɛɹ/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Physical parts of a computer
The solid parts of a computer or machine, like the screen, keyboard, and inside parts.
Usage pattern:
[something] has [type of] hardware
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'hardware' with 'software'; remember that hardware is the physical part of the computer.
Synonyms
equipment (General term for tools or devices; not limited to computers.)
|
machinery (Refers to machines in general, not just electronic components.)
Antonyms
software (Refers to programs and data, the non-physical part of a computer system.)
Collocations
computer hardware
|upgrade hardware
|hardware store
|install hardware
|hardware failure
Themes
technology
|computers
|science
Examples
- The company's new laptop has state-of-the-art hardware.
- You may need to upgrade your hardware to run this game.
- The technician replaced some faulty hardware in the server.
- Hardware failures can cause serious data loss.
- Her job involves testing computer hardware before release.
Learner examples
- My computer has new hardware.
- This game needs better hardware.
- He sells computer hardware.
- We must fix the broken hardware.
- She works with computer hardware.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Tools and equipment for building or repair
Strong tools and machines used to build or fix things.
Usage pattern:
buy [something] at a hardware store
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'hardware' only refers to computers; in this sense it means tools and equipment.
Synonyms
tools (General term for instruments used to carry out a task.)
|
gear (Informal term for equipment, often specialized.)
Antonyms
software (In contrast to computing tools, refers to digital programs; not applicable for construction context.)
Collocations
hardware store
|buy hardware
|military hardware
|kitchen hardware
Themes
construction
|daily life
|work
|housing
Examples
- I bought some screws and nails from the hardware store.
- The carpenter loaded his truck with all the necessary hardware.
- Modern kitchens are equipped with stainless steel hardware.
- The army displayed its latest military hardware.
- The museum has a section dedicated to antique farming hardware.
Learner examples
- I went to the hardware store.
- He needs more hardware for the job.
- We keep the hardware in the shed.
- She sells kitchen hardware.
- They use special hardware to fix the bridge.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
3
Weapons and military equipment
Big machines and weapons used by the army or navy.
Synonyms
armaments (Formal term for weapons and military supplies.)
|
weaponry (General term for weapons; does not include all military machinery.)
Antonyms
civilian goods (Non-military products and equipment.)
Collocations
military hardware
|nuclear hardware
|modern hardware
Themes
military
|politics
Examples
- The country invested heavily in new military hardware.
- The parade showcased tanks and other hardware.
- Negotiations will include talks about reducing nuclear hardware.
Learner examples
- The army bought new military hardware.
- They showed their military hardware in the parade.
- The country sold old military hardware.
Grammar
Expressions
hardware store
1/hˈɑɹdwˌɛɹ stˈɔɹ/
fixed phrase
Shop selling tools and equipment
A shop where you can buy tools, nails, paint, and other things for building or fixing houses.
Examples
- I need to stop by the hardware store to get some paint.
- He works at the local hardware store.
military hardware
1/mˈɪlɪtˌɛɹi hˈɑɹdwˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Weapons and heavy military equipment
Weapons and big machines used by an army or navy.
Examples
- The country is importing advanced military hardware.
- They displayed their military hardware during the ceremony.
piece of hardware
1/pˈis əv hˈɑɹdwˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Single item of equipment or device
One tool or one part of a machine or computer.
Examples
- That camera is an impressive piece of hardware.
- Each piece of hardware must be tested before shipping.