# programmer

/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊɡɹæmɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/programmer
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. software developer

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The programmer spent all afternoon fixing a small mistake in the website's code.
- The lead programmer implemented a more efficient algorithm to reduce the application's memory usage during peak traffic hours.

### 2. media scheduler

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The radio programmer decided to play more local music during the morning show.
- As a television programmer, she must balance popular sitcoms with educational documentaries to satisfy both the audience and the network's legal requirements.

### 3. hardware device

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine used to put software onto another device.

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

- You need a special programmer to update the chip inside the car's engine.
- The technician connected the universal programmer to the circuit board to flash the latest firmware onto the microcontroller.

### 4. short film

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a short movie shown before a longer main movie.

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

- In the old days, the cinema would show a short programmer before the main film started.
- The archive contains several low-budget programmers that were originally produced to fill the time between major studio releases in the 1940s.

## Examples

- She works as a senior programmer for a large tech company.
- The programmer spent the entire afternoon debugging the new mobile application to fix a login error.
- While the systems architect designs the overall structure, the programmer is responsible for implementing the specific algorithms that ensure the software operates efficiently under heavy loads.

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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.