From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English-ware-ware /weə $ wer/ suffix [in uncountable nouns] 1 DFDHthings made of a particular material, especially for use in the home glassware (=glass bowls, glasses etc) silverware (=silver spoons, knives etc)2 DFthings used in a particular place for the preparation or serving of food ovenware (=dishes for use in the oven) tableware (=plates, glasses, knives etc)3 TDthings used in operating a computer software (=programs) shareware (=programs which can be shared via the Internet)
Examples from the Corpus
-ware• hardwareOrigin -ware (1300-1400) ware “goods” ((11-20 centuries)), from Old English waru 