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program

noun · verb

Simple meaning

A sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute.

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

prohgram

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US device voice
IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈpɹoʊɡɹæm

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

noun

  1. computingcomputer science

    A sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute

    “The program required several hundred lines of code.”

  2. broadcasting

    A performance of a show or other broadcast on radio or television.

    “Did you see his program last night?”

  3. A set of structured activities; a plan of action.

  4. computing

    A computer program.

  5. especially in the phrase "get with the program"

    A particular mindset or method of doing things.

  6. A leaflet listing information about a play, game or other activity.

verb

  1. transitive

    To enter a program or other instructions into (a computer or other electronic device) to instruct it to do a particular task.

  2. transitive

    To put together the schedule of an event.

  3. transitive

    To cause to automatically behave in a particular way.

  4. Arrange a program of or for

Word at a Glance

Difficulty
A1 · Beginner (estimated)
Frequency
Very Common
Typical Use
General English

Word Aura™

How this word commonly comes across.

Aura for this meaning

This meaning: (computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute

Used this way, program is a specialist word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. This is a computing use: it carries a fixed technical meaning inside software and systems work.

Heard in a sentence
“The program required several hundred lines of code.”
Emotional tone
Neutral
Formality
Specialist/technical
Intensity
Not strongly marked
How common
Specialized
Connotation
Clinical and technical
Usage feel
Technical and specialized

Where it naturally appears

  • Technology
  • Technical/specialist writing
  • Business/professional
  • Science

Usage note

In general conversation this sense usually needs explaining — outside its field, people reach for a plainer word.

Nearby words

  • computer programme , used mainly in Regional English
  • programme , used mainly in Regional English

Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.

How It’s Used

The word’s distinct uses, one example each.

  • Sequencenoun

    “The program required several hundred lines of code.”

  • Performancenoun

    “Did you see his program last night?”

More ways to use program

  • “He was admitted to a new program at the university.”noun
  • “The program required several hundred lines of code.”noun
  • “Did you see his program last night?”noun

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Common Patterns and Combinations

How this word naturally appears with others.

training programcomputer programeducation programresearch programdevelopment programnew programschool programtreatment program

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Word Family

Related forms, grouped by how they connect.

Inflected forms

Grammatical variations of the same word.

  • programmingnounInflected form

    Setting an order and time for planned events.

  • programmernounInflected form

    A person who designs and writes and tests computer programs.

  • programingnounInflected form

    Setting an order and time for planned events.

Compound terms

Established multiword terms.

  • programing languagenounCompound term

    A language designed for programming computers.

  • program tradingnounCompound term

    A trading technique involving large blocks of stock with trades triggered by computer programs.

  • program musicnounCompound term

    Musical compositions intended to evoke images or remind the listener of events.

  • programmed cell deathnounCompound term

    A type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself.

  • program linenounCompound term

    A line of code written as part of a computer program.

  • program librarynounCompound term

    A collection of standard programs and subroutines that are stored and available for immediate use.

Related words

Connected by subject or meaning, not by word formation.

  • applications programmenounRelated term

    A program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task.

More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin

Synonyms

noun

Sense: sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute

computer programmeRegionalprogrammeRegional

verb

Sense: to enter a program

programme

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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.