software - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

soft•ware /ˈsɔftˌwɛr, ˈsɑft-/USA pronunciation   n. [uncountable* used with a singular verb]

1. Computing
   • Computingprograms for directing a computer or processing electronic data (distinguished from hardware).
2. Radio and Televisionany material requiring the use of equipment, esp. audiovisual material such as film, tapes, or records.

soft•ware  (sôft′wâr′, soft′-),USA pronunciation n. 

1. Computingthe programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. Cf. hardware (def. 5).
2. Radio and Televisionanything that is not hardware but is used with hardware, esp. audiovisual materials, as film, tapes, records, etc.:a studio fully equipped but lacking software.
3. Show Business[Television Slang.]prepackaged materials, as movies or reruns, used to fill out the major part of a station's program schedule.

software /ˈsɒftˌwɛə/ n

1. the programs that can be used with a particular computer system
   Compare hardware