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.
Family relationships run through the Asian films that Tokyo International Film Festival programmer Ishizaka Kenji has picked for this year’s edition. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026 Peter Kuplowsky, programmer of the Toronto Film Festival’s thrills and spills Midnight Madness showcase, said the Hollywood box office rebound has helped underpin the resurgence in horror films. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Below, IndieWire polled the AFI Fest programmers for their favorite films out of the features and shorts sections to help guide your long weekend at the movies. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026 This year’s International Competition jury at Thessaloniki is led by Gaia Furrer, film programmer and Artistic Director of Giornate degli Autori; Achilleas Kyriakidis, writer, translator, screenwriter, and filmmaker; and Jack Tarling, producer. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 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

See All Rhymes for programmer

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 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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