programmer
PROHG-ra-muh
Programmer (noun) means someone who writes computer software. Example: “She works as a programmer for a fintech startup.”
noun
1
Someone who writes computer software.
"She works as a programmer for a fintech startup."
2
Someone who decides what shows or songs a TV or radio station will air.
"So if there is a real shortage of training material and opportunities for radio programmers, then let's write some."
— Steve Warren, Radio (2005)
"The handful of never-ending summer classics annually activated by rock-radio programmers."
— Wayne Jancik, The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders (1990)
"The station's programmer chose to air the interview during peak hours."
How to use programmer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who writes code, or one who plans a broadcast schedule.
Common pairings
software programmer
junior programmer
radio programmer
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like programmer.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- programmers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She works as a _____ for a fintech startup.
Etymology
From "program/programme" plus the agent suffix "-er."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for programmer
See all rhymes for programmer →Frequently asked questions
What does “programmer” mean?
The word “programmer” means someone who writes computer software. In plain terms, a person who writes code, or one who plans a broadcast schedule.
How do you pronounce “programmer”?
“Programmer” is pronounced PROHG-ra-muh (/ˈpɹoʊɡɹæmɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “programmer” in a sentence?
Here is “programmer” used in a sentence: “She works as a programmer for a fintech startup.”
What part of speech is “programmer”?
“Programmer” is a noun.
Is “programmer” a common word?
“Programmer” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “programmer” have?
“Programmer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who writes computer software.
What is the difference between a programmer and a developer?
Programmer and developer are often used interchangeably to mean someone who writes computer software, though developer can sometimes imply a broader role that includes design and planning alongside writing code. In casual usage, most people treat the two terms as synonyms.
Does programmer always refer to computer software?
No. Programmer can also refer to someone who decides what shows or songs a TV or radio station will air, a completely different sense related to scheduling content rather than writing code.
Is programmer used the same way in tech and broadcasting?
No, the two uses describe different professions: a computer programmer writes software code, while a radio or TV programmer selects and schedules the content that gets broadcast. Context usually makes clear which sense is meant.
