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.
Since then, tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of programmers while touting the use of AI to write code. Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2025 Just as the great English landscape designers guided beautiful creations with a judicious shaping of the environment but not too much control, Microsoft too is encouraging the flourishing of citizen programmers creating and sharing their knowledge in agents across the organization. John Sviokla, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 In another trial, an AI even used the semantics of its programmers to reach its cheating phase. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025 In California, state Senator Steve Padilla introduced a new bill last month that aimed to require AI programmers to implement safeguards for children using chatbots. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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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