program
- 01 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“He installed a new program to help him edit his holiday photos.”
In context“The developer spent months refining the program to ensure it could handle thousands of simultaneous users without crashing.”
PitfallI 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.
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
n.a show on television or radio.
n.a specific broadcast or performance on radio or television.
Simple“My favourite nature program starts at eight o'clock tonight.”
In context“The network decided to cancel the program after the first season due to disappointing viewership numbers in the key demographic.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a plan or list of things to be done.
n.a structured series of events, activities, or items of study.
Simple“The university offers a great exchange program for students who want to study abroad.”
In context“The government launched a comprehensive training program designed to help unemployed workers transition into the renewable energy sector.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“I bought a program at the theatre so I could read about the actors.”
In context“The concert program included detailed notes on the historical context of each symphony performed that evening.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to write the instructions for a computer.
v.to write or provide a set of instructions for a computer or other machine.
Simple“She learned how to program in Python during her first year of college.”
In context“Engineers had to program the satellite's navigation system to adjust its orbit automatically when it detected atmospheric drag.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to arrange or plan a series of events.
v.to arrange or schedule a series of performances, broadcasts, or events.
Simple“The festival directors program a wide variety of films every year.”
In context“The gallery curator chose to program several local artists alongside the international exhibition to highlight the city's vibrant creative scene.”
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.
Usage program manager · active programme · alternative programme
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.