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.
In 1990 American mathematician and programmer Marc Abrahams joined the satirical science magazine The Journal of Irreproducible Results (JIR) as its editor. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 Sincerity and audacity are not opposing forces but complementary ones in this space, and for writers, retro programmers, and other film fans who came of age after midnight at the movies, Curry’s impact persists as its own kind of religion. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 The agency was a pseudo-governmental commission with no legal authority, staffed by grossly unqualified appointees, including a teenage programmer known as Big Balls. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Borsich was a project programmer with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

programmed instruction
programmer
programming
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Cite this Entry

“Programmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/programmer. Accessed 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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