freesoftware

noun

UK /ˌfriː ˈsɒftweə/

US /ˌfriː ˈsɔːftwer/

Software that anyone can use, study, change, and share without asking for permission.

The school uses free software so students can look at the code and learn how it works.

SYNONYMS

open-source software libre software free code open software

RELATED WORDS

source code license GNU Linux community

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Software that costs no money to download or use.

He downloaded free software to edit photos without paying.

3. Software that respects users' freedom to run, copy, and improve it.

Free software gives you the freedom to change the program to fit your needs.

4. A movement that promotes software freedom and sharing.

She joined the free software community to help translate programs.