programmer

noun

pro·​gram·​mer ˈprō-ˌgra-mər How to pronounce programmer (audio)
-grə-
variants or less commonly programer
: one that programs: such as
a
: a person who prepares and tests programs for devices (such as computers)
b
: one that programs a mechanism
c
: one that prepares an instructional program
d
: a person who plans or prepares entertainment programs
a television programmer

Examples of programmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some programmers will self-select out of the industry. Larry English, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Schepers, a 23-year-old computer programmer, and a group of co-workers from First Chicago Bank Card in Elgin decided to meet April 15, 1983, a Friday night, for drinks at a bar in Carpentersville to celebrate the completion of a work project. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 Schepers is a graduate of Sycamore High School and worked as a computer programmer at First Chicago Bankcard at the time of her disappearance, according to The Charley Project, which collects and shares information about missing persons cases. Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 What exactly was Gamergate? On August 16, 2014, a 24-year-old male programmer posted a more than 9,000-word tirade about the dissolution of his relationship with video game developer Zoë Quinn. Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for programmer

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of programmer was in 1875

Cite this Entry

“Programmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/programmer. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

programmer

noun
pro·​gram·​mer
variants also programer
ˈprō-ˌgram-ər How to pronounce programmer (audio)
-grə-mər
: a person who writes computer programs

More from Merriam-Webster on programmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!