WordGarden.ioprogram
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈəʊɡræm/
US
- /ˈproʊˌɡræm/
Meanings
Noun
a set of instructions that makes a computer perform tasks
an organized set of activities, services, or study offered for a purpose
a show or scheduled item on television or radio
Verb
to write code for a computer or software system
to set instructions for a computer, device, or system to follow
Beyond the definition
A program is not just something you watch on TV. It can be a planned set of steps made to reach a goal. It can also be a show on television or radio, or a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
You may also hear it used for organized activities such as a school program, a health program, or a government program. As a verb, it can mean putting instructions into a machine or setting something to happen in a system. In every case, the idea is the same: something is arranged in a clear way for a purpose.
The word "program" is used in several connected ways, but the main idea is simple: it describes something arranged in advance for a purpose. One common meaning is a planned set of actions. A school may offer a reading program, a government may start a jobs program, and a person may follow a training program to get stronger. In these cases, the word points to an organized plan.
Another very common meaning is a show or set of shows, especially on television or radio. You can watch a news program, listen to a talk program, or check the printed program for a concert or play to see what will happen and in what order. This older sense of a listed plan of events helps explain the other meanings of the word.
In technology, a program is a set of instructions that tells a computer or another machine what to do. When someone writes code, they create a program that carries out tasks step by step. As a verb, "program" means to put those instructions into a machine or to set a device or system to do something at a certain time or in a certain way. You can program a computer, but you can also program a timer, a thermostat, or a recording device.
Across all of these uses, the central idea stays the same: a program is about order, purpose, and planned action rather than chance.
Examples
- 1
Television
I watched a cooking program after dinner.
- 2
Library activity
The library runs a summer reading program for children.
- Patternrun a program
organize and manage it
- 3
Job training
She joined a training program to learn new job skills.
- 4
Business support
The grant program helps small businesses buy new equipment.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Conference schedule
Can you send me the program for the conference?
- 6
Computer software
I closed the program and restarted my computer.
- 7
Translation software
This program can translate text into several languages.
- 8
Machine settings
We need to program the thermostat before we leave.
- Patternprogram a machine
set it to work in a certain way
- 9
Robot behavior
The robot was programmed to stop if someone got too close.
- Patternbe programmed to do something
be set or trained to do it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- improvisation
- one-off event
Do not confuse
- programme
Used with (collocations)
- training program
- government program
- program of events
- launch a program
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
8 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- programAmericannounverb
Forms
- programsAmericanpluralnounverb
- programingAmerican-ing formverbnoun
- programedAmericanpast tenseverbnoun
Spelling variants
- programmeBritishnounverb
- programmingBritish-ing formverbnoun
- programmesBritishnounverb
- programmedBritishpast tenseverbnoun