English Reference

Word

program

Phoneticspro·gram, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæm/

UK/pɹˈəʊɡɹæm/

UK spelling · programme

Definitions

01computing

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing

n. a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

n. a sequence of coded instructions that a computer or other machine performs to complete a task.

“He installed a new program to help him edit his holiday photos.”

“The developer spent months refining the program to ensure it could handle thousands of simultaneous users without crashing.”

Pitfall

I am writing a computer programme.

I am writing a computer program.

In American English, 'program' is used for all senses. In British English, 'program' is used for computers, but 'programme' is used for TV shows and events.

02TV or radio show

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a show on television or radio.

n. a specific broadcast or performance on radio or television.

“My favourite nature program starts at eight o'clock tonight.”

“The network decided to cancel the program after the first season due to disappointing viewership numbers in the key demographic.”

03plan of activities

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a plan or list of things to be done.

n. a structured series of events, activities, or items of study.

“The university offers a great exchange program for students who want to study abroad.”

“The government launched a comprehensive training program designed to help unemployed workers transition into the renewable energy sector.”

04event leaflet

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. a small book or paper that tells you about a play, concert, or sports game.

n. a printed document describing the items, performers, or participants in an entertainment or sporting event.

“I bought a program at the theatre so I could read about the actors.”

“The concert program included detailed notes on the historical context of each symphony performed that evening.”

Synonyms

brochureleafletplaybill

05to write code

B1 · Intermediate Computing

v. to write the instructions for a computer.

v. to write or provide a set of instructions for a computer or other machine.

“She learned how to program in Python during her first year of college.”

“Engineers had to program the satellite's navigation system to adjust its orbit automatically when it detected atmospheric drag.”

Synonyms

06to schedule an event

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. to arrange or plan a series of events.

v. to arrange or schedule a series of performances, broadcasts, or events.

“The festival directors program a wide variety of films every year.”

“The gallery curator chose to program several local artists alongside the international exhibition to highlight the city's vibrant creative scene.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “program” in context.

01. active programme 02. alternative programme 03. effective programme 04. evaluate programme 05. extensive programme 06. formal programme 07. initiate programme 08. intensive programme 09. programme produce 10. specific programme 11. various programme

Confusables

program vs programme

Programme is the standard British spelling for schedules and broadcasts, while program is the universal term for computing and the standard American spelling for all contexts.

RememberBritish 'programme' has extra letters for everything except computers.

Etymology

Borrowed from French programme, from Late Latin programma (“a proclamation, edict”), from Ancient Greek πρόγραμμα (prógramma, “a written public notice, an edict”), from προγράφω (prográphō, “I set forth as a public notice”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + γράφω (gráphō, “to write”). Doublet of programma.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

program(A2)

Idioms

Domains

ComputingMusicPolitics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/program

English Reference