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.
The plot, about a former programmer battling an artificial intelligence run amuck in a computer-network realm, was borderline incomprehensible. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025 Or wait—distributors paid the programmers. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025 Huet said this means that programmers will be able to reprogram apps in real-time in response to user needs. Ashley Capoot,kif Leswing, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025 The companies had been at odds over the past week, with the programmer running ads and social media promotions calling attention to the operator’s Big Tech DNA. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Oct. 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 Oct. 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

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