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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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.
"The station's programmer chose to air the interview during peak hours."

How to use programmer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who writes code, or one who plans a broadcast schedule.

Common pairings
software programmer junior programmer radio programmer

Word forms

programmers plural

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Fill the gap

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She works as a _____ for a fintech startup.

Etymology

From "program/programme" plus the agent suffix "-er."

coder software engineer developer

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial