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.
For many filmmakers, publishers, programmers, and archivists, Public Domain Day is one of the most consequential dates on the creative calendar. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2025 The picture shifts slightly for programmers and those who use it for business. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025 Over the past few years, computer-programmer employment in the United States has dropped sharply—but overall employment in the computing industry hasn’t seen the same decline. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Dec. 2025 Mayisha Begum a labor programmer officer, told Sourcing Journal that reduced wages, wage theft, inhumane work rates and mandatory overtime continued to be the top areas of concern, followed by unsafe working conditions, harassment, intimidation, abuse and gender-based violence. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 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 3 Jan. 2026.

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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