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program

n. · v.
US //ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæm// UK //pɹˈəʊɡɹæm// pro·gram
  1. 1 computing (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 TV or radio show (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a show on television or radio.

    a specific broadcast or performance on radio or television.

    Example

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

    Example

    The network decided to cancel the program after the first season due to disappointing viewership numbers in the key demographic.
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  1. 3 plan of activities (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a plan or list of things to be done.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The government launched a comprehensive training program designed to help unemployed workers transition into the renewable energy sector.
  2. 4 event leaflet (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The concert program included detailed notes on the historical context of each symphony performed that evening.
  3. 5 to write code (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to write the instructions for a computer.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Engineers had to program the satellite's navigation system to adjust its orbit automatically when it detected atmospheric drag.
  4. 6 to schedule an event (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to arrange or plan a series of events.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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