hacker
Americannoun
-
a person or thing that hacks.
-
Slang. a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill.
weekend hackers on the golf course.
-
Computers.
-
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.
-
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.
-
noun
-
a person that hacks
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Computer Science and Technology - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It’s funny because one of my favorite movies, as every good hacker ‘80s kid would tell you, is “WarGames.”
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026
The lanky 35-year-old is a well-respected hacker who’s considered the industry’s “professional skeptic” of AI cybersecurity claims.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
The hacker sent by Anthropic to calm the government’s nerves about AI safety.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026
Since it landed, the 57-episode vertical series, which follows two couples as they face off against a threatening online hacker in drama-fueled one-minute clips, has amassed more than 150 million views.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
“If I weren’t, I wouldn’t be much use in catching a hacker, now would I?”
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
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.
