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.
None of those projects started with the ambition of becoming a programmer. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 The patches were posted to the Linux Kernel mailing list by Meta programmer David Vernet, who came up with a novel solution to a problem with Linux gaming on AMD. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026 Outfest’s senior programmer Daniel Crooke notes that the programming team has gotten smaller, now led by a four-person team. — Matt Minton, Variety, 30 July 2026 The two sports programmers control most of New York’s marquee regular-season rights, with YES carrying New York Yankees games and MSG the Knicks and Rangers. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 July 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

Rhymes for programmer

See All Rhymes for programmer

Browse Nearby Words

programmed instruction
programmer
programming
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Programmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/programmer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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