# programmed

/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmd/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊɡɹæmd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/programmed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. gave instructions to a computer

verb · CEFR B1

gave a computer or machine a set of instructions to follow.

For teachers: provided a computer or electronic device with a sequence of coded instructions for automatic execution.

- She programmed the robot to move whenever it heard a loud noise.
- The engineers programmed the satellite to enter a low-power state during the solar eclipse to preserve its battery life.

### 2. planned or scheduled

verb · CEFR B2

planned an event or a series of activities.

For teachers: arranged or scheduled a series of events, performances, or activities within a larger framework.

- The festival programmed several local bands to play on the main stage.
- The gallery programmed a series of interactive workshops to run alongside the main exhibition during the summer months.

### 3. automatic or fixed

adjective · CEFR B2

happening automatically because of a habit or a set of rules.

For teachers: behaving or operating in a fixed, automatic way as if following a set of instructions.

- His response seemed programmed, as if he was just repeating what he was told.
- The animal's migration patterns are programmed by seasonal changes in daylight and temperature.

### 4. religious service style

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a church service that has a planned schedule and a leader.

For teachers: referring to a Quaker meeting or religious service that follows a set order and is led by a minister.

- They attended a programmed meeting where a pastor gave a prepared talk.
- Unlike the silent worship of traditional Friends, programmed meetings often include hymns, scripture readings, and a prepared sermon.

Usage: Primarily used within Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) contexts to distinguish from silent meetings.

## Examples

- She programmed the robot to clean the floor every morning.
- The software engineers programmed the security system to alert the authorities if any unauthorized access is detected.
- While the hardware remains robust, the device must be carefully programmed to manage power consumption during periods of peak activity to prevent overheating.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.