source code

noun

: a computer program in its original programming language (such as FORTRAN or C) before translation into object code usually by a compiler

Examples of source code 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.
What’s the role of the programmer in a future without source code? Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025 Under the deal, Oracle will also be in charge of most of the app's source code, which helps control its functions, as well as the app's content recommendation algorithm, the officials said. Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 Build-time SBOMs are generally most accurate, but in many real-world cases, teams may only have a container image or source code to work with. Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Ionescu published the VapeServer source code on GitHub. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for source code

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of source code was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Source code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source%20code. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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