# programming

/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæmɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈəʊɡɹæmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/programming
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. writing computer code

noun · CEFR B1

the act of writing instructions for a computer to follow.

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

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

### 2. media scheduling

noun · CEFR B2

the way radio or television shows are planned and organized.

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

- The channel changed its evening programming to include more news.
- 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.

### 3. psychological conditioning

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The movie explores how social programming affects the way we think.
- Early childhood programming can have a profound impact on an individual's subconscious reactions to stress in later life.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word often carries a negative or clinical connotation regarding the loss of free will.

### 4. setting a device

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- I am programming the thermostat to turn the heat down at night.
- By programming the irrigation system to activate only during the coolest hours, the farm significantly reduced its water waste.

## Examples

- She is learning computer programming to build her own mobile app.
- The university updated its curriculum to include Python programming as a core requirement for all engineering students.
- Effective software development requires not just a mastery of programming syntax, but also a deep understanding of algorithmic efficiency and the ability to debug complex logical errors within the codebase.

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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.