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."
"The charity runs a free reading program for children after school."
"The city started a recycling program to cut down on rubbish."
2
A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
"She wrote a program to automate the report."
"The program crashed as soon as I tried to open the file."
"Download the program and follow the steps on the screen."
3
A broadcast show on television or radio.
"They watched their favorite program every Thursday night."
"My grandmother never misses her favourite cooking program on the radio."
"The new program about wildlife starts straight after the evening news."
verb
1
To write code or instructions for a computer.
"He learned to program in Python over the summer."
"She programs the robot to move across the room and turn."
"Students learn to program simple games during the after-school club."
How to use program
Learner’s notesIn 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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
run a program
training program
computer program
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Word forms
- Plural
- programs
- Third person singular
- programs
- Past tense
- programmed, programed
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").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for program
ideogram
kilogram
hologram
monogram
sonogram
mammogram
angiogram
reprogram
parallelogram
electrocardiogram
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.
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