developer

American  

[dih-vel-uh-per] / dɪˈvɛl ə pər /

noun

1. a person or thing that develops or innovates.

   a software developer.

2. Photography. a reducing agent or solution for developing developing a film or the like.

3. a person who invests in and develops the urban or suburban potentialities of real estate, especially by subdividing the land into home sites and then building houses and selling them.

4. Shipbuilding. a person who lays out at full size the lines of a vessel and prepares templates from them.

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developer British  

/ dɪˈvɛləpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that develops something, esp a person who develops property

2. photog a solution of a chemical reducing agent that converts the latent image recorded in the emulsion of a film or paper into a visible image

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Etymology

Origin of developer

First recorded in 1825–35; develop + -er ¹

Example Sentences

And while significant customer OpenAI is diversifying its backers, Lee reckons that Microsoft’s current stake in the ChatGPT developer is already worth $227 billion and the two companies are likely to continue their long-term relationship.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Foundayo is Lilly’s second weight-loss treatment after Zepbound, and the growing franchise aligns with the company’s strategy to remain the world’s most successful developer of obesity therapies.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The developer is expected to appeal against the decision.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Shares of banking software developer nCino jumped 12% on the heels of b etter-than-expected earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter and solid revenue guidance.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

When we’re past Broadway, Papi sighs for the umpteenth time and says, “Colin’s selling the building. A developer offered him a lot of money.”

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi

Related Words

• builder
• planner