hacker
Americannoun
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a person or thing that hacks.
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Slang. a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill.
weekend hackers on the golf course.
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Computers.
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a person who has a high level of skill in computer technology or programming; a computer expert or enthusiast.
My brother is a real hacker—he fixed my laptop in no time.
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a person who circumvents security and breaks into a network, computer, file, etc., often, but not always, with malicious intent.
A hacker got into my computer remotely and wiped my hard drive!
The company has hired hackers to test system security.
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noun
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a person that hacks
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slang a computer fanatic, esp one who through a personal computer breaks into the computer system of a company, government, etc
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of hacker
First recorded in 1200–50 hacker for def. 1; Middle English (as surname); see hack 1, -er 1; 1965–70 hacker for def. 2
Explanation
A hacker is a skilled computer programmer who uses her abilities to break into the computer systems of companies or organizations. While most people imagine a hacker as a bad guy who steals credit card information, destroys data, or is otherwise malicious and destructive, some hackers break into systems simply to test their security. There are so many hackers today that they've formed a true community and subculture. The earliest use of hacker is from 1983, from hack as "person hired to do routine work," although MIT students in the 1960's reportedly used the word hack to mean "creative prank."
Vocabulary lists containing hacker
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
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Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
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Computer Science and Technology - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"When talent is leaving, it's also harder to keep remaining talent," Hacker said.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
“The em dash is now a GPT-ism and is not advisable unless you want people to think your writing is the output of a LLM,” wrote a user named energy123 on Hacker News.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025
Jim Hacker, the eponymous PM in the Yes, Prime Minister comedy on the BBC, said working funerals were a "heaven sent" opportunity.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025
Security websites such as Krebs on Security and The Hacker News are two reputable sources.
From Salon • Sep. 6, 2024
“We never see no friendlies,” Hacker grimly reminded.
From A Virginia Scout by Hutchison, D. C.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
