program
program Lexical Profile
program Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A planned series of future events, activities, or procedures designed to achieve a specific objective.
"The university launched a new mentorship program to support first-generation students."
A sequence of coded instructions that can be executed by a computer to perform a specific task or operation.
"She wrote a custom software program to automate the monthly financial reports."
American A distinct broadcast presentation or show transmitted on television, radio, or the internet.
"We watched an informative documentary program about marine biology last night."
American A printed booklet or leaflet provided to attendees at a concert, play, or sporting event, listing the performers, pieces, and schedule.
"He flipped through the theater program to read the biographies of the cast members before the curtain rose."
• verb
To provide a computer or other automated machine with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a task.
"The engineers programmed the robotic arm to assemble delicate electronic components."
To arrange, plan, or schedule an event, broadcast, or series of activities according to a specific timetable.
"The festival directors programmed a diverse lineup of classical and jazz performances for the summer season."
To condition or train a person or organism to behave or think in a predetermined way.
"Migratory birds are biologically programmed to navigate thousands of miles across continents."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'program' is the standard spelling for all senses. In British English, 'programme' is used for general plans, schedules, and broadcasts, whereas 'program' is specifically retained for computer software.
• Rhymes for program
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century via Late Latin 'programma' from Ancient Greek 'programma' ('a public written notice'), derived from 'prographein' ('to write publicly'), combining 'pro-' ('forth') and 'graphein' ('to write').