program

especially British, pro·gramme

[proh-gram, -gruhm]

noun

1. a plan of action to accomplish a specified end.

   a school lunch program.

2. a plan or schedule of activities, procedures, etc., to be followed.

3. a broadcasted television or radio production or similar internet-based content produced for distribution.

4. Also called computer program. Digital Technology.,  a precise sequence of instructions enabling a computer to perform a task; a piece of software.

5. a collection of principles, actions, objectives, etc., established with a long-term goal in mind; platform; policy.

   A review of our education initiatives and programs suggests we are meeting our goals.

6. a list of items, pieces, performers, etc., in a musical, theatrical, or other entertainment.

7. an entertainment with reference to its pieces or numbers.

   a program of American and French music.

8. a planned, coordinated group of activities, procedures, etc., often for a specific purpose, or a facility offering such a series of activities.

   a drug rehabilitation program;

   a graduate program in linguistics.

9. a prospectus or syllabus.

   a program of courses being offered.

verb (used with object)

programmed, programed, programming, programing. 

1. to schedule as part of a program.

2. Digital Technology.,  to write code for (a computer program or application).

3. to insert or encode specific operating instructions into (a machine or apparatus).

   We'll program the bells to ring at ten-minute intervals.

4. to insert (instructions) into a machine or apparatus.

   An automatic release has been programmed into the lock as a safety feature.

5. to cause to absorb or incorporate automatic responses, attitudes, or the like; condition.

   Our parents programmed us to respect our elders.

6. to set, regulate, or modify so as to produce a specific response or reaction.

   Program your eating habits to eliminate sweets.

verb (used without object)

programmed, programed, programming, programing. 

1. to plan or write a program.

2. Digital Technology.,  to write computer code.

program

/ ˈprəʊɡræm /

noun

1. a sequence of coded instructions fed into a computer, enabling it to perform specified logical and arithmetical operations on data

verb

1. (tr) to feed a program into (a computer)

2. (tr) to arrange (data) into a suitable form so that it can be processed by a computer

3. (intr) to write a program

program

1. A organized system of instructions and data interpreted by a computer. Programming instructions are often referred to as code.

2. See more at source code See also programming language

program

1. A series of instructions given to a computer to direct it to carry out certain operations. The term code is often used to denote large-scale operations.

Other Word Forms

• reprogram verb (used with object)
• unprogrammed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of program¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Late Latin programma, from Greek prógramma “public notice in writing”; pro- ², -gram ¹

Example Sentences

O’Neill’s announcement said that the changes will still allow for immunization coverage to continue through programs including the Vaccines for Children program, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare and Medicaid.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite having zero broadcast news experience, Weiss will oversee the Tiffany Network’s storied “60 Minutes” program.

From Salon

That goal led him to the registered nursing program at Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was ready for compromise but all parties wanted the other party to adopt their programmes in their entirety," he said.

From BBC

The Chinese tech giant also said it would make its designs and computer programs available to the public in China in an effort to draw firms away from their reliance on US products.

From BBC

Related Words

• bill 
• business 
• curriculum 
• plan 
• schedule