hackathon
noun
hack·a·thon
ˈha-kə-ˌthän 
plural hackathons
: an event in which computer programmers collaborate intensively with one another and sometimes with people in other specialties over a relatively short period of time to create code usually for a new software product or service
The goal of a hackathon is to create a prototype of an idea in record time—often over a single weekend. For the ambitious software developer, that usually means no rest or leafy greens.—
Kristen V. Brown
Kristen V. BrownIt's a hackathon—a contest to pitch, program, and present a functioning Android mobile application in 48 hours.—Steven Leckart
Steven LeckartExamples of hackathon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Microsoft has also hosted developer hackathons near Seattle, San Francisco, and other hubs.
—
Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
Meta has long hosted internal hackathons, but two sources tell WIRED this is the first companywide one to take place since 8,000 people were laid off last month.
—
Paresh Dave,
Wired News,
12 June 2026
Amazon, Microsoft and Oracle also run on-site AI training and hackathons.
—
Alena Conley,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
For example, the cardiologist who won Anthropic’s hackathon used this to help his solution.
—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hackathon
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Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
Meta has long hosted internal hackathons, but two sources tell WIRED this is the first companywide one to take place since 8,000 people were laid off last month.
—
Paresh Dave,
Wired News,
12 June 2026
Amazon, Microsoft and Oracle also run on-site AI training and hackathons.
—
Alena Conley,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
For example, the cardiologist who won Anthropic’s hackathon used this to help his solution.
—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hackathon
Cite this Entry
“Hackathon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackathon. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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