n.
Pronunciation: ' härd- ˌ wer
Function: noun
Date: circa 1515
1 : ware (as fittings, cutlery, tools, utensils, or parts of machines) made of metal
2 : major items of equipment or their components used for a particular purpose <educational hardware >: as a : military equipment b : the physical components (as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle (as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer)
3 : an award (as a trophy, medal, or cup) given in a sports competition