noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   Software that functions at an intermediate layer between applications and operating system or database management system, or between client and server. uncountable, usually
2. 2
   Networking software or hardware that is deployed in the middle of, as opposed to serviced by, a packet network to enhance or provide some network function, such as caching, filtering, or firewall functionality. uncountable, usually

Etymology

From middle + -ware.

Related phrases

message-oriented middlewaredatabase management systemoperating system

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.