noun
Uncommon
hacker
ha-kuh
Hacker (noun) means someone who breaks into computer systems or networks without authorization, often for malicious purposes. Example: “The bank hired security experts to test its defenses against hackers.”
noun
1
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 hacker stole thousands of customer passwords from the company's website."
"Use a strong password so a hacker cannot easily get into your email."
2
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."
"My brother is a keen hacker who loves building tiny programs at weekends."
"The hackers at the meetup spent all night finding a clever fix."
How to use hacker
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- hackers
- Third person singular
- hackers
- Past tense
- hackered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Related words
Rhymes for hacker
acker
backer
Packer
cracker
slacker
blacker
attacker
hijacker
nutcracker
linebacker
firecracker
safecracker
See all rhymes for hacker →
Frequently asked questions
What does “hacker” mean?
The word “hacker” means someone who breaks into computer systems or networks without authorization, often for malicious purposes. In plain terms, someone who works with computer systems at a deep technical level — sometimes to break in illegally, sometimes just as a skilled programmer.
How do you pronounce “hacker”?
“Hacker” is pronounced ha-kuh (/hækəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hacker” in a sentence?
Here is “hacker” used in a sentence: “The bank hired security experts to test its defenses against hackers.”
What part of speech is “hacker”?
“Hacker” is a noun.
Where does the word “hacker” come from?
The word “hacker” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hackere ("one who cuts wood"), from hacken ("to hack, chop") plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “hacker” a common word?
“Hacker” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hacker” have?
“Hacker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who breaks into computer systems or networks without authorization, often for malicious purposes.
What is the difference between a hacker and a cracker?
In computing circles, "hacker" can refer either to someone who breaks into systems without authorization or to a skilled programmer who enjoys creative problem-solving, while "cracker" is sometimes used specifically for those who break into systems maliciously. The distinction between hacker and cracker is not universally observed, which is why context matters when the word hacker is used.
Is hacker always a negative term?
Not necessarily. While hacker is often used to describe someone who breaks into computer systems without authorization, it also has a positive sense referring to a skilled, enthusiastic programmer who solves technical problems creatively. Which meaning applies usually depends on context, such as whether the discussion involves security breaches or software development.
What is the difference between a white hat hacker and a black hat hacker?
A white hat hacker uses hacking skills legally and ethically, often to test and improve security, while a black hat hacker breaks into systems without authorization for malicious purposes. Both fall under the broad umbrella of "hacker," but the terms distinguish authorized, ethical activity from unauthorized, harmful activity.
Further Reading
Hacker Typer →
A prank tool that fills your screen with fast-scrolling code to make it look like you're hacking — for laughs, not actual hacking.
