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.
From 1979 to 1986, Adams held various office jobs at Crocker National Banker, including computer programmer, budget analyst and teller. Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Jan. 2026 For the next six years, Adams’ job titles included management trainee, computer programmer, budget analyst, commercial lender, product manager and supervisor of a small group of analysts in charge of negotiating contracts, writing business cases and tracking budgets. Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026 The conference was packed with philosophers, sociologists, and programmers, all intent on examining the latest developments in consciousness and artificial intelligence. Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 The story kicks off in the real world with Kevin Flynn, a gifted programmer and video game designer who's been shut out of his own success by ENCOM executive Ed Dillinger (David Warner), a man who runs the company through a powerful system called the Master Control Program (MCP). Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026 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 19 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

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