English Reference
noun

programmer

n.
US /ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmɝ/ UK /pɹˈəʊɡɹæmɐ/ pro·gram·mer UK spelling programmer's, programmer's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    a person whose job is to write instructions for computers to follow.

    a professional who writes, tests, and maintains the source code of computer software.

    Simple

    The programmer spent all afternoon fixing a small mistake in the website's code.

    In context

    The lead programmer implemented a more efficient algorithm to reduce the application's memory usage during peak traffic hours.

    developercodersoftware engineer
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who chooses which shows or songs are played on TV or radio.

    an executive responsible for selecting and scheduling content for a television or radio station.

    Simple

    The radio programmer decided to play more local music during the morning show.

    In context

    As a television programmer, she must balance popular sitcoms with educational documentaries to satisfy both the audience and the network's legal requirements.

    schedulercontent manager
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a machine used to put software onto another device.

    a hardware device used to install or configure software or firmware in another electronic component.

    Simple

    You need a special programmer to update the chip inside the car's engine.

    In context

    The technician connected the universal programmer to the circuit board to flash the latest firmware onto the microcontroller.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a short movie shown before a longer main movie.

    a short cinematic feature included as part of a larger theatrical programme.

    Simple

    In the old days, the cinema would show a short programmer before the main film started.

    In context

    The archive contains several low-budget programmers that were originally produced to fill the time between major studio releases in the 1940s.

    shortfeaturette

*program + -er (US) / programme + -er (UK)

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

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated