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.
Especially given the value of sports rights, some programmers could also bifurcate their rights. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 Next was Neopets, a virtual-pet game where my uncle, a former photo-lab technician, reinvented himself as a programmer. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 After years as lead programmer and curator of the OTR film festival, Stern-Enzi began serving as the artistic director of the festival in 2021. Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025 This special editorial feature will celebrate directors, producers, festival programmers, journalists and more that continue to elevate and uplift the horror genre. William Earl, Variety, 25 Sep. 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 1 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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