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 competition jury will be composed of choreographer Constanza Macras, filmmaker Christos Massalas, and film programmer Valeria Wagner. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 On the other hand, a human programmer may use AI to write and produce lines of code, boosting their productivity. Greg Iacurci,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 Nuclear deterrence relies on access to materials, but code relies on just a password and motivated programmers. MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Then came the submissions, the cover letters, the endless reach for connections — this person may know that person who could recommend us to this festival programmer, etc. Courtney Marsh, IndieWire, 8 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 19 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!