Software repository (ruǎnjiànkù) is a centralized storage location—often online—where software packages, libraries, and related metadata are hosted for distribution and installation. The word combines three characters: 软 (ruǎn, 'soft') and 件 (jiàn, a measure word used in computing contexts, literally 'item' or 'component'), together forming 软件 (ruǎnjiàn, 'software'); and 库 (kù, 'warehouse' or 'repository'). Thus, 软件库 literally means 'software warehouse', reflecting its function as a managed, searchable collection of software resources.

This term is commonly used in technical, developer, and system administration contexts—especially when discussing Linux package managers (e.g., Ubuntu’s APT repositories), programming language ecosystems (like Python’s PyPI), or enterprise internal tools. It emphasizes organization, version control, and accessibility rather than just storage. Unlike a simple folder or download site, a software repository typically includes dependency resolution, digital signatures, and automated update mechanisms.