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
The hackathon went on for almost five days, while the conference lasted a day.
—Anshel Sag, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Post Post Share Save Print There are many ways a leader can rally workers around innovation, from launching experiments to rolling out initiatives to running hackathons.
—Eric Athas, Harvard Business Review, 8 Oct. 2024
In a 2023 story about a then upcoming hackathon, VentureBeat reported that Accelerate had received support from companies including OpenAI and Anthropic.
—Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2025
Sometimes, a temporary shift in focus—like a hackathon, creative sprint, or even an unconventional brainstorming session—can be exactly what’s needed to spark innovative thinking.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hackathon
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Anshel Sag, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Post Post Share Save Print There are many ways a leader can rally workers around innovation, from launching experiments to rolling out initiatives to running hackathons.
—Eric Athas, Harvard Business Review, 8 Oct. 2024
In a 2023 story about a then upcoming hackathon, VentureBeat reported that Accelerate had received support from companies including OpenAI and Anthropic.
—Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2025
Sometimes, a temporary shift in focus—like a hackathon, creative sprint, or even an unconventional brainstorming session—can be exactly what’s needed to spark innovative thinking.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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