English Reference

Word

developer

Phoneticsde·vel·op·er, stress on the second syllable

US/dɪˈvɛɫəpɝ/

UK/dɪvˈɛləpɐ/

Definitions

01software

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a person who writes code and creates computer programs or apps.

n. a professional who designs, codes, and tests computer software or mobile applications.

“The lead developer fixed the bug in the app before the update was released.”

“The senior developer spent the afternoon refactoring the legacy code to improve the application's performance and scalability.”

Usage

Often used with 'software', 'web', or 'app' as a modifier.

Synonyms

programmercodersoftware engineer

02real estate

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person or company that buys land and builds new houses or offices on it.

n. an individual or entity that acquires land and manages the construction of buildings or infrastructure for profit.

“A property developer bought the old factory to turn it into luxury apartments.”

“The developer faced significant opposition from local residents regarding the proposed shopping centre's impact on traffic and green space.”

03photography chemical

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. a special liquid used to make a picture appear on film.

n. a chemical agent used in the processing of traditional photographic film or paper to make the latent image visible.

“He poured the developer into the tray and waited for the photo to appear.”

“The photographer carefully monitored the temperature of the developer, as even a slight variation could alter the contrast of the final print.”

Synonyms

04general creator

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. someone who works to improve or create a new product or idea.

n. an agent responsible for the systematic growth or advancement of a specific product, project, or concept.

“She is the main developer of the company's new marketing strategy.”

“As the primary developer of the curriculum, he ensured that the learning objectives aligned with national educational standards.”

Etymology

From develop + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

developer(B1)

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference