What does "programming" mean?

1. (writing computer code) the act of writing instructions for a computer to follow. 2. (media scheduling) the way radio or television shows are planned and organized. 3. (psychological conditioning) the process of training a person or animal to behave in a certain way. 4. (setting a device) the act of setting a machine to work at a specific time or in a certain way.

How do you use "programming"?

Uncountable when referring to the general activity. Often used as an uncountable noun in the context of broadcasting.

programming

n. · v.

US //ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmɪŋ// UK //pɹˈəʊɡɹæmɪŋ// pro·gram·ming

1 writing computer code (n.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

the act of writing instructions for a computer to follow.

the process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.

Example

She decided to take a course in programming to build her own website.

Example

Modern programming requires not only a grasp of syntax but also an understanding of algorithmic efficiency and data structures.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general activity.
- coding
- software development
2 media scheduling (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the way radio or television shows are planned and organized.

the selection and scheduling of programmes for a radio or television station or a performance season.

Example

The channel changed its evening programming to include more news.

Example

The festival's programming was praised for its diverse range of international films and experimental documentaries.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in the context of broadcasting.
- scheduling
- lineup

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3 psychological conditioning (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

the process of training a person or animal to behave in a certain way.

the process of conditioning a subject to respond in a specific manner to certain stimuli.

Example

The movie explores how social programming affects the way we think.

Example

Early childhood programming can have a profound impact on an individual's subconscious reactions to stress in later life.

Teacher's tip

In this sense, the word often carries a negative or clinical connotation regarding the loss of free will.
- conditioning
- indoctrination
4 setting a device (v.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of setting a machine to work at a specific time or in a certain way.

the present participle of 'program', referring to the act of setting a device to perform a function automatically.

Example

I am programming the thermostat to turn the heat down at night.

Example

By programming the irrigation system to activate only during the coolest hours, the farm significantly reduced its water waste.
- setting
- configuring

Origin

From program /programme + -ing.