Short for DVD-ReWritable, a re-recordable DVD format similar to CD-RW or DVD+RW. The data on a DVD-RW disc can be erased and recorded over numerous times without damaging the medium. DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. These formats are also supported by the DVD Forum.
For comparison and contrast, see DVD, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM.
Also see DVD Formats Explained in the Did You Know . . . ? section of Webopedia.