hardware
UK: ˈhɑːdweə | US: ˈhɑːrdwer
n. Tools, machinery, and other durable equipment.
n. The physical components of a computer system.
n. Metal goods such as locks, hinges, or tools sold in a store.
The word "hardware" combines "hard," from Old English "heard" (meaning solid or firm), and "ware," from Old English "waru" (meaning manufactured goods or merchandise). Originally used for metal goods like tools and fittings, it evolved in the 20th century to include computer components, reflecting their tangible, mechanical nature. The term retains its core logic of "durable physical objects" across contexts.
The store sells gardening hardware like shovels and rakes.
Modern computers rely on both hardware and software.
He repaired the door using hardware from the local shop.
Upgrading your hardware can improve system performance.
The project requires specialized hardware for testing.