assembly language

noun

: a programming language that consists of instructions that are mnemonic codes for corresponding machine language instructions

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Enlarge / Comparison of assembly language for a generic CISC CPU versus a generic RISC one. Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 23 Sep. 2022 Before high-level languages such as Python, Java, and Fortran were invented, programming was done in assembly language. Andrew Hudson, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2022 Reading assembly language books in middle school or programming BBS software in high school didn’t register, then, explicitly, as a salve. Craig Mod, Wired, 6 Apr. 2021 Taking the insides out To actually disassemble the firmware—that is, to transform the binary code into the underlying assembly language that communicates with the hardware, Hron had to know what CPU the coffee maker used. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2020 The proof-of-concept exploit uses other clever tricks to work. Because of the memory structure of the MIPS assembly language that runs the spectrum analyzer, the attack code must know the precise memory address of the vulnerable code. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2020 The first operating system written in a high-level language, as opposed to in assembly language, and of course, that influenced our thinking as well. Recode Staff, Recode, 17 May 2018 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assembly language.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assembly language was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near assembly language

Cite this Entry

“Assembly language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assembly%20language. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

assembly language

noun
: a code for programming a computer that is a close approximation of machine language but is more easily understood by humans

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