noun
Common
developer
dih-VEH-luh-puh
Developer (noun) means a person or company that writes and builds software. Example: “The developer fixed the bug before the app update went out.”
noun
1
A person or company that writes and builds software.
"The developer fixed the bug before the app update went out."
"Our company hired a developer to create a booking website for the hotel."
"She works as a developer building mobile apps."
2
A person or company that builds on or improves land for sale.
"A local developer turned the empty warehouse into flats."
"Residents asked the developer to keep some green space on the new estate."
"The developer plans to build 200 new homes on the site."
3
A chemical used to bring out the image on exposed photographic film.
"She poured the developer into the tray and watched the picture slowly appear."
"Leave the print in the developer too long and it will turn out far too dark."
"The film sat in the developer for several minutes."
How to use developer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who builds things — software, buildings, or (in photography) an image.
Common pairings
software developer
property developer
app developer
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Word forms
- Plural
- developers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ fixed the bug before the app update went out.
Etymology
From develop + -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for developer
See all rhymes for developer →Frequently asked questions
What does “developer” mean?
The word “developer” means a person or company that writes and builds software. In plain terms, someone who builds things — software, buildings, or (in photography) an image.
How do you pronounce “developer”?
“Developer” is pronounced dih-VEH-luh-puh (/dɪˈvɛləpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “developer” in a sentence?
Here is “developer” used in a sentence: “She works as a developer building mobile apps.”
What part of speech is “developer”?
“Developer” is a noun.
Is “developer” a common word?
“Developer” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “developer” have?
“Developer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or company that writes and builds software.
What is the difference between a developer and a programmer?
A programmer writes code, while a developer, in the software sense, both writes and builds software, often taking a wider role in designing, testing, and delivering a finished product. In everyday use the terms overlap, but developer tends to suggest broader involvement.
What is the difference between a software developer and a real estate developer?
These are two separate meanings of the same word. A software developer writes and builds software, while a real estate or property developer builds on or improves land for sale. Context makes clear which is meant.
What is the difference between a developer and an engineer?
In software, a developer writes and builds software, while a software engineer applies engineering principles to design larger, more robust systems. The roles overlap heavily and the titles are often used interchangeably, though engineer can imply a more formal, systems-level focus.
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