programming language UK /ˈpɹəʊɡɹæmɪŋ læŋɡwɪdʒ/US /ˈpɹoʊɡɹæmɪŋ læŋɡwɪdʒ/ noun1 •A code of reserved words and symbols used in computer programs, which give instructions to the computer on how to accomplish certain computing tasks.The Java language allows the writing of applications as a collection of small chunks of programming language called objects. — 1998 formsprogramming languages