# nerds

/ˈnɝdz/ (US) · /nˈɜːdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nerds
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. technical enthusiasts

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

people who are extremely interested in a specific subject, especially computers, science, or fantasy stories.

For teachers: individuals with an obsessive or highly specialized interest in technical, academic, or niche topics.

- The computer lab was full of nerds working on their own coding projects.
- While the term was once purely derogatory, many self-described nerds now wear the label with pride as a badge of their technical expertise.

### 2. software stack

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of technologies (Node.js, Express, React, Databases) used together to build websites.

For teachers: An acronymic software stack (Node.js, Express, React, Databases) utilized for full-stack web development.

- Our team decided to use the NERDS stack for our new web application.
- The lead architect argued that the NERDS stack offered the best scalability for the project's real-time data requirements.

Usage: Usually written in all capitals as NERDS.

## Examples

- The computer nerds spent all night coding the new app.
- The convention was full of history nerds dressed as their favorite Roman emperors.
- What was once a derogatory label for those obsessed with niche technology has been largely reclaimed by a generation of nerds who now lead the world's most influential software companies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.