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programme

British  
/ ˈprəʊɡræm /

noun

  1. a written or printed list of the events, performers, etc, in a public performance

  2. a performance or series of performances, often presented at a scheduled time, esp on radio or television

  3. a specially arranged selection of things to be done

    what's the programme for this afternoon?

  4. a plan, schedule, or procedure

  5. a syllabus or curriculum

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to design or schedule (something) as a programme

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. computing a variant spelling of program

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of programme

C17: from Late Latin programma, from Greek: written public notice, from pro- ² + graphein to write

Explanation

Programme is the British spelling of program, which is a plan or system. You are constantly reminding the daydreaming Betty to get with the programme. Programme can mean plan, curriculum, or an episode of a larger plan. Your school has a programme for your education. In college your major will determine which programme you follow. The TV show you especially like is your favorite programme. Programme is also a verb. You programme your alarm clock to wake you at 6, or programme a series of musicians to play at the local pub. If you think society brainwashes you with advertising, then you feel programmed.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Juda insisted a costly fuel subsidy and free school meal programme would be maintained, though the scheme has been significantly trimmed.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Evidence from the UK infant vaccination programme shows that vaccination has led to around a 75% reduction in MenB disease.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Northern Ireland is set to run a similar programme in due course, UK health officials say.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Showrunner Russell T Davies also confirmed he will leave the long-running programme, writing on Instagram that it is "goodbye from me but hello to a big new future for the show".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

And to Matilda she said, "You've got a nerve talking to your father like that. Now keep your nasty mouth shut so we can all watch this programme in peace."

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

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