freeware

IPA/ˈfriːweə(r)/
KK[frˈiwˌɛr]IPA/ˈfriːwer/

freeware — noun

1. computer programs or apps that the creator lets people use without charging any

1.nounB1
Definition

computer programs or apps that the creator lets people use without charging any money — typically shared online so anyone can download them.

Example

Theo downloaded a freeware audio editor to record his school podcast without spending any money.

freeware + [tool] for a specific purpose

The local library installed freeware office programs on all its public computers to help visitors.

Common collocations
  • freeware program
  • freeware tool
  • freeware application
  • freeware version
  • freeware editor
  • freeware alternative
  • download freeware
  • install freeware
  • use freeware
  • offer something as freeware
Synonyms
  • gratis software

    more formal or legal in register — often found in licensing text rather than everyday use

  • no-cost software

    purely descriptive phrase — less established as a category label

Antonyms
  • paid software

    opposite category — requires payment before use

  • commercial software

    sold for profit, often with a license fee

  • shareware

    free for a trial period but requires payment for continued use or full features

Grammar Patterns

freeware + noun (e.g. freeware program)

Usage Note

Freeware is an uncountable noun — never use 'a freeware' or 'freewares'. To refer to one specific item, say 'a freeware program', 'a freeware tool', or 'a freeware application'.

Common Mistakes

I found several useful freewares online.
I found several useful freeware programs online.
freeware is uncountable and cannot take a plural -s.
This is a freeware that removes viruses.
This freeware tool removes viruses.
avoid using 'a freeware' as a countable noun.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These five terms all describe software available at no upfront cost, but they differ in rights and philosophy. Freeware is simply free to use — the creator keeps all rights and often does not share the source code. Shareware gives you a free trial period or limited features, then asks for payment to unlock the full version. Open-source software (like Linux or Firefox) makes its source code available for anyone to study, modify, and redistribute. Free software is a similar concept with a stronger focus on user freedoms — the 'free' in 'free software' means liberty, not price. Public-domain software has no copyright at all and belongs to everyone. For example, a freeware PDF reader may be free to download, but its code stays secret; by contrast, an open-source PDF editor lets developers inspect and improve the code.

freeware ↗shareware ↗open-source softwarefree softwarepublic-domain software

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • distributed as freeware
  • available as freeware
  • free for personal use

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

A blend of 'free' (costing nothing) and 'software'. The term was popularised in the early 1980s when computer programmers like Jim Knopf began sharing their programs without charging a fee, setting the word apart from 'shareware' and 'commercial software'.