DictionaryAI

program

SayPROH-gram/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæm//ˈpɹəʊˌɡɹæm/

Pluralprograms

Verbprograms, programming, programmed

UK spellingprogramme · except for computer programs

10 meanings of program

Practice

  1. 1
    planned activitiesnouncountable
    A planned set of activities meant to reach a goal.

    Like a step-by-step plan for getting something done.

    The school started a program to help kids read better.

    Our city runs a recycling program every weekend.

    UsageIn British English it is spelled programme.

    Similarscheme, plan, initiative, project, course

  2. 2
    TV shownouncountable
    A show that you watch or listen to on TV or radio.

    My favorite program comes on at eight every night.

    We watched a nature program about whales.

    UsageSay a program is on TV at eight.

    Similarshow, broadcast

    Note
  3. 3
    softwarenouncountable
    A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

    Like a recipe that tells a computer each step to follow.

    She downloaded a new program to edit her photos.

    This program keeps crashing whenever I open a large file.

    UsageSay a program runs or crashes.

    Similarapplication, software, app

  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To write instructions for a computer, or set up a machine, so it does a particular job.

    Like writing out every instruction a machine needs to follow.

    She learned to program simple games at summer camp.

    They program apps for small businesses.

    UsageSpell it programmed and programming.

    Similarcode, develop, configure

    Note
  5. 5
    verbtransitive
    To make someone or something act a set way automatically.

    Like training a pet to react the same way every time.

    Advertisers try to program shoppers to crave the newest model.

    Fear had programmed the dog to flinch at loud noises.

    UsageSay someone was programmed to do something.

    Similarcondition, train, teach

    Note
  6. 6
    verbtransitive
    To choose what will be shown, played, or broadcast, and decide when.

    Like choosing which songs to play and when.

    Stations program their evenings to attract family viewers.

    She programmed the network with reruns over the summer.

    UsageSay a station programs for a certain audience.

    Similarschedule, plan, curate, arrange

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of program apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From French programme, going back to Greek prógramma, a written public notice, from pró 'before' and gráphō 'I write'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 5 facts

  • English program was borrowed from French programme. en.wiktionary.org
  • The word ultimately derives from Greek prógramma, meaning a written public notice. en.wiktionary.org
  • Greek prógramma derives from pró and gráphō, through prográphō. en.wiktionary.org
  • Greek pró means before. en.wiktionary.org
  • Greek gráphō means I write: it is the first-person singular present active indicative of the verb meaning to write. en.wiktionary.org