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

It's a hackathon—a contest to pitch, program, and present a functioning Android mobile application in 48 hours.

—Steven Leckart

In the past, she's led students in accessibility hackathons where they designed sensor systems for wheelchairs and a game for the blind.

—Brittany Britto

Examples of hackathon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The hackathon — hosted by Meta, AITX and Cerebral Valley — is part of Meta’s global Llama 3.1 Impact Grants program, which encourages the exploration of how Llama can address local challenges. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American-Statesman, 25 Nov. 2024

And in the spring, Pichai greenlit a hackathon, allowing employees to build using Google products that have yet to be announced. —Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2024

Post Post Share Save Buy Copies 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

Word History

Etymology

hack entry 1 + -athon

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above