Ware is an old-fashioned word for goods or products that are made to be sold. A merchant's wares are the items they have for sale, whether that's pottery, cloth, jewelry, or tools. You might see the word in stories about medieval marketplaces, where vendors would call out, “Come see my wares!” to attract customers.

The word appears more commonly today as part of compound words. Software refers to computer programs (the instructions that make computers work), while hardware means the physical computer equipment itself, or tools and building supplies sold in a hardware store. Silverware means eating utensils like forks and spoons, originally made from silver. Kitchenware includes pots, pans, and cooking tools. Glassware refers to drinking glasses and other items made of glass.

While you won't often use ware by itself in modern conversation, understanding it helps you recognize what all those compound words mean: they're all different types of goods or products.