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.
Vik is a programmer for Moon Chaser, a company that puts on drone light shows. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Despite murder ballads being a country music tradition, programmers didn’t seem to embrace women doing it so gleefully. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 Taiwan in Focus also includes a round table with TFAI chair Arthur Chu and programmer Howard Yang, a networking event and an exhibition of original Taiwanese film posters. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Matt and Amy, both of whom have dwarfism, had just purchased a home in California, where Matt worked as a successful computer programmer. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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