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

The Japanese government and employers, Stern writes, help make late-life employment a reality through a program called Silver Jinzai, which creates part-time jobs for older Japanese adults.

Read more on MarketWatch

Voters are increasingly drawn to politicians who promise free tuition, universal housing or guaranteed income—programs that mirror the convenience culture we’ve grown up in.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In Myanmar’s digital kyat pilot program, which the government announced in general terms in June, the Central Bank of Myanmar would issue digital kyat via authorized banks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The better way to reassure the Saudis—and everyone else—is to keep Iran’s nuclear program in ruins.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Department of Education with a plan to transfer key, legally required functions to other agencies, including oversight of its $18-billion, core anti-poverty program, Title 1.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bill 
• business 
• curriculum 
• plan 
• schedule