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

"We can dominate the world for a long time, but the world's going to get better because people are starting to recognise how to resource their programmes."

From BBC

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement that the program would “fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season.”

From Los Angeles Times

As governor, he would more money into treatment for substance abuse programs and diversion programs for those who commit minor crimes, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon relies on a version of the Starship upper stage called the Human Landing System that SpaceX is building.

From Los Angeles Times

In an effort to ensure some flood coverage in Isleton, the state Department of Water Resources has provided $100,000 to start a new community-based insurance program in the town, the first of its kind.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bill 
• business 
• curriculum 
• plan 
• schedule