-ware

English

Etymology 1

From Middle English ware, from Old English waru, from Proto-Germanic *warō, with meaning gradually shifting from guard, protection to an object that is in possession, hence meriting attention, guarded, cared for, and protected.

Suffix

-ware

1. Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items made from a particular substance.

   ‎glass + ‎-ware → ‎glassware

2. Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items made in a particular place.

   ‎Abruzzi + ‎ware + ‎-ware → ‎Abruzzi ware

3. Used to form nouns denoting, collectively, items of a particular kind or for a particular use.

   ‎gift + ‎-ware → ‎giftware

Usage notes

• Not to be confused with -wear, which is used for types of clothing.

Derived terms

• Corningware

Related terms

Translations

Etymology 2

From software. See also ware and warehouse.

Suffix

-ware

2. Used to form mass nouns denoting specific classes of computer software, based on use, function, or method of distribution.

   (e.g. groupware in computer-mediated communication)

Derived terms

Related terms

• warez

Translations

See also

Anagrams

• -wear, Awre, Wear, arew, wear

Old English

Alternative forms

• -waras, -waran, -waru

Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *warjaz (“dwellers of”). Cognate with Old High German -āri (“inhabitants of”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌwɑ.re/

Suffix

-ware

1. (used in the singular) suffix denoting inhabitants or residents of a place

   eall sēo buruhwaru ― the people of a city, the entire citizenry

2. (used in the plural) suffix denoting inhabitants or residents of a place

   burgwaras ― residents of a burg, burghers, citizens

   Lundunwaras ― Londoners

   Rōmware ― residents of Rome; Romans

Declension

• (masc. i-stem)

• (masc. a-stem)

• (masc. n-stem)

• (fem. ō-stem)

Synonyms

• -sǣta

Descendants

• Middle English: -ere
  • English: -er
  • Scots: -ar, -er