What does program mean?
Program has several connected meanings, all suggesting something planned, organized, or set out in advance. Most familiarly, it means a set of instructions that enables a computer to perform tasks, such as installing, running, or updating a program. It can also refer to a television or radio show, a schedule of events, or a formal statement of an organization's aims and policies. As a verb, to program means to write instructions for a computer, while it can also mean to arrange something in advance or to prepare someone through repeated instruction. In everyday contexts, program is especially associated with computing; in political and institutional settings, it may sound more formal. The word is standard American English for both software and broadcast shows. British English commonly uses programme for broadcasts, event schedules, and formal plans, while program remains usual for computer instructions, although usage varies.
A set of instructions for a computer; a broadcast or recorded show; a planned schedule of activities; or a formal statement of organizational or political policies.
"The program tracks changes in the weather and sends an alert when severe storms are expected."
The word is especially common in computing and in American English for television shows and event schedules.
To write or create instructions for a computer; to arrange or schedule something; or to train or condition someone to respond in a particular way.
"Engineers programmed the robot to inspect damaged sections of the pipeline."
The computing sense is standard technical usage, while the training sense is often figurative or psychological.
The standard plural is programs. British English often uses programmes for broadcasts, event schedules, and formal plans.
"The library offers several educational programs for children and teenagers."
The word began as a Greek public notice, long before it meant anything that could be watched on a screen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of program
The word entered English through French programme, from Greek programma, meaning a public notice or announcement. Greek programma was formed from pro-, meaning forward or public, and gramma, a letter or written word. The sense developed from a public written notice to a formal schedule or plan and, in modern usage, to computer instructions and broadcast entertainment.
Related word forms
How program is actually used
The computing sense is technical but ordinary in modern usage. In the political or institutional sense, program often sounds formal and policy-oriented, especially in American English. As a verb, program can also mean to condition or prepare someone through repeated experience, as in programmed to expect disappointment.
Easily confused with program
In British English, programme is the usual spelling for a television show, event schedule, or formal plan, while program is generally used for computer software; American English normally uses program for all of these meanings.