noun

hacker

ha-kuh

noun

Someone who breaks into computer systems or networks without authorization, often for malicious purposes.

"The bank hired security experts to test its defenses against hackers."

A skilled and enthusiastic computer programmer, especially one who enjoys solving technical problems creatively.

"The open-source project was built by a small community of dedicated hackers."

How to Use Hacker

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who works with computer systems at a deep technical level — sometimes to break in illegally, sometimes just as a skilled programmer.

Common mistake

Within tech communities, "hacker" often means a skilled, creative programmer (a compliment); in general media it usually implies a cybercriminal.

Word Forms

hackered past tense, hackers plural, hackers plural, Hackers plural, hackers singular

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The bank hired security experts to test its defenses against _____.

Etymology

From Middle English hackere ("one who cuts wood"), from hacken ("to hack, chop") plus the agent suffix -er.

Rhymes for hacker

acker backer Packer cracker slacker blacker attacker hijacker linebacker firecracker safecracker

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