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program

/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæm/

In American English, "program" is the standard spelling for all meanings. In British English, "programme" is typically used for a schedule of events or a television show, while "program" is used specifically for computer code.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Sarah is hiding in the breakroom to avoid David.
Jessica

Did you finish that automation program? David's breathing down my neck.

Jessica
Sarah
Sarah

Almost. Just need to iron out a few bugs before I send it over.

💡
Jessica uses the phrase 'breathing down my neck' (idiom) to describe David's intense pressure, while Sarah uses 'iron out' (phrasal verb) to describe fixing minor problems in the computer program.

Meanings

noun

A planned series of future events, items, or performances.

"The concert program listed five different composers."

noun

A set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a specific task.

"She wrote a custom program to automate her data entry."

verb (transitive)

To provide a computer or other machine with coded instructions for the execution of a particular task.

"The engineer had to program the robot to move its arm precisely."

verb (transitive)

To condition someone to behave in a particular way.

"Society often programs individuals to conform to certain expectations."

Examples

The program starts at eight, so don't be late!

I can't believe this program keeps crashing my entire PC!

Wait, who actually wrote the program for this event?

Listen, you can't just program people like they are robots!

I need to program the thermostat before we leave.

Seriously, is this program even approved by the board?

The program includes a brief intermission for drinks.

Just program the chip and we can finally go home!

Last Updated: May 21, 2026Report an Error