hackathon
noun
hack·a·thon
ˈha-kə-ˌthän 
plural hackathons
: an event in which computer programmers collaborate intensively with one another and sometimes with people in other specialties over a relatively short period of time to create code usually for a new software product or service
The goal of a hackathon is to create a prototype of an idea in record time—often over a single weekend. For the ambitious software developer, that usually means no rest or leafy greens.—
Kristen V. Brown
Kristen V. BrownIt's a hackathon—a contest to pitch, program, and present a functioning Android mobile application in 48 hours.—Steven Leckart
Steven LeckartIn the past, she's led students in accessibility hackathons where they designed sensor systems for wheelchairs and a game for the blind.—Brittany Britto
Brittany BrittoExamples of hackathon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether through hackathons that unite global problem-solvers or accelerator programs that fast-track game-changing innovations, these creative hubs are shaping the future of exploration.
—Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But a 2021 hackathon sponsored by the Defense Department changed their plans.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
One of these early adopters of Stretch is Microsoft, which used the robot as part of a company-wide hackathon last summer.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2020
This could include innovation labs, hackathons, or dedicated time for side projects.
—Mamie Jones, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hackathon
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Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But a 2021 hackathon sponsored by the Defense Department changed their plans.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
One of these early adopters of Stretch is Microsoft, which used the robot as part of a company-wide hackathon last summer.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2020
This could include innovation labs, hackathons, or dedicated time for side projects.
—Mamie Jones, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hackathon
Cite this Entry
“Hackathon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackathon. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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