APL

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)pē-ˈel

: a computer programming language designed especially for the concise representation of algorithms

Word History

Etymology

a programming language

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of APL was in 1966

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“APL.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/APL. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

draconian

Listen to the pronunciation of draconian

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Popular in Wordplay

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Popular Features

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)