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programs

/ˈpɹoʊɡɹæms/

In American English, the spelling "programs" is used for both computer code and general schedules. In British English, "programmes" is typically used for schedules or broadcasts, while "programs" is reserved specifically for computer software. As a noun, it can be used as a countable noun (e.g., "three different programs"). As a verb, it follows standard conjugation rules for regular verbs.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, David is at his office and Karen is managing her neighborhood Facebook group.
Karen Smith

Did you actually install those new security programs or just wing it?

Karen Smith
David Smith
David Smith

I'm leveraging the software. It's basically a plug-and-play situation.

💡
Karen uses the phrasal verb 'wing it' (to do something without preparation), showing her skepticism toward David. David responds with corporate buzzwords like 'leveraging' and the idiom 'plug-and-play' to sound tech-savvy, despite Karen's doubt about whether he actually installed the computer programs.

Meanings

noun

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

"The concert programs listed all the pieces to be played."

noun

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

"She wrote several complex programs to automate the data analysis."

verb (transitive)

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

"The engineer programs the robotic arm to move with precision."

verb (transitive)

To condition someone or something to behave in a particular way.

"Society often programs individuals to follow traditional career paths."

Examples

The concert programs listed all the pieces to be played.

She wrote several complex programs to automate the data analysis.

The engineer programs the robotic arm to move with precision.

Society often programs individuals to follow traditional career paths.

Look, these programs are crashing my entire system right now!

Wait, who actually programs this nightmare of a machine?

Seriously? You just follow the programs they give you?

I can't believe these programs are already sold out!

Last Updated: May 21, 2026Report an Error