hackathon

noun

hack·a·thon | \ ˈha-kə-ˌthän

plural hackathons

Definition of hackathon

: an event in which computer programmers collaborate intensively with one another and sometimes with people in other specialties over a relatively short period of time to create code usually for a new software product or service The goal of a hackathon is to create a prototype of an idea in record time—often over a single weekend. For the ambitious software developer, that usually means no rest or leafy greens.— Kristen V. Brown It's a hackathon—a contest to pitch, program, and present a functioning Android mobile application in 48 hours.— Steven Leckart In the past, she's led students in accessibility hackathons where they designed sensor systems for wheelchairs and a game for the blind.— Brittany Britto