English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun A1 Beginner Very common

program

PROH-gram

Also spelled programme (UK spelling)

Program (noun) means a planned set of activities or a course of action with a goal. Example: “The company launched a training program for new hires.”

noun
1
A planned set of activities or a course of action with a goal.
"The company launched a training program for new hires."
2
A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
"She wrote a program to automate the report."
3
A broadcast show on television or radio.
"They watched their favorite program every Thursday night."
verb
1
To write code or instructions for a computer.
"He learned to program in Python over the summer."

How to use program

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plan, a broadcast, or a set of computer instructions, depending on context.

UK vs US

"Program" is standard in American English for all senses; British English traditionally reserves "programme" for TV shows and plans, but keeps "program" for computing.

Common pairings
run a program training program computer program

Word forms

programmed past tense, programed past tense, programs plural, programs singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “program” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company launched a training _____ for new hires.

Etymology

From Greek programma, "a public notice," from pro- ("before") plus grapho ("to write").

Origin: Greek

Related words

Rhymes for program

See all rhymes for program →

Frequently asked questions

What does “program” mean?

The word “program” means a planned set of activities or a course of action with a goal. In plain terms, a plan, a broadcast, or a set of computer instructions, depending on context.

How do you pronounce “program”?

“Program” is pronounced PROH-gram (/ˈpɹoʊ̯ˌɡɹæm/ in IPA).

How do you use “program” in a sentence?

Here is “program” used in a sentence: “The company launched a training program for new hires.”

What is another word for “program”?

Words with a similar meaning to “program” include application and computer program.

What part of speech is “program”?

Depending on how it is used, “program” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “program” come from?

The word “program” comes from Greek. From Greek programma, "a public notice," from pro- ("before") plus grapho ("to write").

Is “program” a common word?

“Program” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

How many meanings does “program” have?

“Program” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a planned set of activities or a course of action with a goal.

What is the difference between a program and a project?

A project is a single, time-limited effort with a specific outcome, such as building a bridge. A program is broader — a coordinated set of activities, often several projects, working toward a larger ongoing goal. In short, a program is the wider plan; a project is one defined piece of work within or beneath it.

What is the difference between program and programme?

They are the same word spelt differently. 'Program' is standard in American English and, everywhere, for computer software. 'Programme' is the usual British spelling for other senses, such as a TV programme or an event programme. So a Briton writes a computer program but watches a television programme.

What are the types of program?

The word covers many kinds: a schedule of events, like a concert program; a plan of activities, such as a training or fitness program; a broadcast on television or radio; and a set of coded instructions that a computer runs. All share the idea of an organised sequence aimed at a result.

What is an example of a program?

A community health program might combine free check-ups, education classes, and follow-up visits, all coordinated toward better public health. The word fits any organised plan with a goal — a school reading program, a company's training program, or a government's housing program are all everyday examples.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial