hacker Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who plays golf poorly
  2. noun a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism
    cyber-terrorist; cyberpunk.
  3. noun a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm
    • true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers
  4. noun one who works hard at boring tasks
    drudge; hack.

WordNet

Hack"er noun
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, hacks. Specifically: A cutting instrument for making notches; esp., one used for notching pine trees in collecting turpentine; a hack.

Webster 1913