hardware

/ˈhɑːdweə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhɑːrdwer/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhärd-ˌwer/ (ame, mw)

hardware — noun

1. the pieces that make up a computing device and which you can physically handle —

1.名詞B1
釋義

the pieces that make up a computing device and which you can physically handle — the screen, the keyboard and the internal boards and chips that together let the machine work

例句

João spent most of his savings on new hardware for his gaming computer setup.

hardware + for + purpose

Before you buy that new game, check whether your hardware can run it smoothly.

check whether your hardware can run [software]

同義詞
  • equipment

    broader in meaning — includes both physical and non-physical items

  • components

    emphasises individual parts inside a system

  • machinery

    implies larger, more mechanical systems; less common for personal computers

反義詞
  • software

    the programs and data that run on hardware

文法句型

hardware + singular verb

no article before hardware (general meaning)

用法筆記

Uncountable noun — do not say 'a hardware' or 'hardwares'. To refer to one item, use 'a piece of hardware' or name the device (e.g. 'a printer', 'a hard drive').

常見錯誤

❌I need to buy a hardware for my computer.
✅I need to buy some hardware for my computer.
💡hardware is uncountable; use 'some' or 'a piece of'.
❌The hardware are getting old.
✅The hardware is getting old.
💡hardware takes a singular verb.

2. metal items like nails, screws, hammers, and door fittings that people buy to bu

2.名詞B2
釋義

metal items like nails, screws, hammers, and door fittings that people buy to build, mend, or install things inside their homes and outside in the garden

例句

Nikhil went to the hardware store to buy screws and a hammer for his shelves.

hardware store

The toolbox contains all the hardware needed for basic home repairs and small building jobs.

同義詞
  • tools

    focuses on instruments used with the hands, not fittings like screws or hinges

  • fittings

    refers specifically to items like handles, locks, and hinges attached to furniture or doors

  • ironmongery

    British term for the same category of metal goods; less common in American English

文法句型

hardware + singular verb

a hardware store / a piece of hardware

常見錯誤

❌Can you pass me a hardware?
✅Can you pass me a hammer?
💡hardware is the category name, not a countable item. Use the specific tool name for individual objects.

3. large or powerful equipment used by the armed forces, including vehicles such as

3.名詞C1
釋義

large or powerful equipment used by the armed forces, including vehicles such as tanks, aircraft, and weapons systems

例句

The general inspected the military hardware before sending it to the front line.

military hardware

Several countries spend billions each year on hardware for their air forces and navies.

同義詞
  • armaments

    more specific to weapons; narrower than hardware which includes vehicles too

  • weaponry

    emphasises weapons themselves, not support vehicles or equipment

  • equipment

    a general term; 'hardware' sounds more technical and formal in military contexts

文法句型

military hardware

hardware for [military purpose]

用法筆記

Common in news reports and formal analysis of armed forces. Frequently appears with 'military' (military hardware) but can also stand alone in context (e.g. 'the army's hardware').

4. a prize given to the winner of a sports contest, for example a league trophy or

4.名詞C1
釋義

a prize given to the winner of a sports contest, for example a league trophy or an Olympic medal — used mainly in informal or sports-journalism language

例句

Jabari won the top hardware at the national judo championships last winter.

win + hardware

The team brought home the hardware after defeating their rivals in the final game.

bring home the hardware (idiomatic)

同義詞
  • trophy

    more specific — usually a cup or decorative object; countable

  • medal

    a flat disc-shaped award; the most common term for Olympic awards; countable

  • prize

    the most general term; hardware implies a physical object like a cup or medal

文法句型

win + hardware

bring home + hardware

hardware + singular verb

用法筆記

This sense is informal and used mainly in American sports journalism. It is rarely used in everyday conversation. The phrase 'bring home the hardware' is a fixed expression meaning to win a championship trophy.

常見錯誤

❌She won three hardwares at the Olympics.
✅She won three medals at the Olympics.
💡hardware is uncountable; use 'medal' or 'trophy' for countable items.

❌ 'I bought some hardware at the sports store.' (confused with sense 2) — In sports contexts, hardware only means prizes, not equipment.