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.
After moving to Escondido three years ago to be closer to his new grandson, the 76-year-old still works part-time from home as a computer programmer. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 Discord, whose platform is popular with gamers and programmers, has more than 200 million monthly users, according to a statement in December. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026 The case opens another front in clashes relating to the legality of bundling and could present a threat to programmers whose business models are dependent on restraining distributors’ ability to package channels and subscription periods. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 Merchant was the group’s payload programmer and led the mission’s design and simulation efforts, which included planning, configuring hardware, and developing autonomous software and algorithms to manage the payload. Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 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 9 Jan. 2026.

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

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