machine language

noun

1
: the set of symbolic instruction codes usually in binary form that is used to represent operations and data in a machine (such as a computer)

called also machine code

2
: assembly language

Examples of machine language in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Businesses are well aware of this risk, of course, which is why Zscaler reported that 59.9% of all AI and machine language transactions were blocked by enterprises according to its analysis of some 536.5 billion such transactions between February 2024 and December 202 in the Zscaler cloud. — Davey Winder, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 But since every computer spoke its own unique machine language and had its own way of storing and retrieving data, none of these machines could talk to each other. — Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of machine language was in 1947

Rhymes for machine language

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machine-hour
machine language
machine learning
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Cite this Entry

“Machine language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machine%20language. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

machine language

noun
1
: the set of symbolic instruction codes used to represent operations and data in a machine (as a computer) that are usually expressed in binary form
2
: assembly language

More from Merriam-Webster on machine language

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machine language

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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