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.
With programming that’s long been gloriously unclassifiable, the annual film event has also cultivated an audience and competition jury pool that tends to embrace the unexpected as enthusiastically as its programmers. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 The union, which formed in 2021 and includes roughly 150 curators, conservators, educators, and public programmers, ratified its inaugural contract, for a two-and-a-half-year span, in 2023. — News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026 For example, in years past a senior programmer would assign some simple, tedious programming tasks to new workers. — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Peacock subscribers will be given the option to sign up within the app for a subscription to Starz under a deal struck by the programmer and NBCUniversal. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 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 12 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on programmer

Nglish: Translation of programmer for Spanish Speakers

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