program

noun

pro·gram | \ ˈprō-ˌgram ,

-grəm

Definition of program

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 [ Late Latin programma, from Greek ] : a public notice

2a : a brief usually printed outline of the order to be followed, of the features to be presented, and the persons participating (as in a public performance)

b : the performance of a program especially : a performance broadcast on radio or television

3 : a plan or system under which action may be taken toward a goal

4 : curriculum

5 : prospectus, syllabus

6a : a sequence of coded instructions that can be inserted into a mechanism (such as a computer)

b dated : a complete plan for solving a problem by the use of a mechanism (such as a computer) that includes both instructions to be inserted into the mechanism and plans for human activities such as interpreting output

c : a sequence of coded instructions (such as genes or behavioral responses) that is part of an organism

program

verb

pro·gram | \ ˈprō-ˌgram ,

-grəm \

variants: or less commonly programme

programmed or programed; programming or programing

Definition of program (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to arrange or furnish a program of or for : bill

b : to enter in a program

2 : to work out a sequence of operations to be performed by (a mechanism, such as a computer) : to provide with a program

3a : to insert a program for (a particular action) into or as if into a mechanism (such as a computer)

b : to control by or as if by a program

c(1) : to code in an organism's program

(2) : to provide with a biological program cells programmed to synthesize hemoglobin

4 : to predetermine the thinking, behavior, or operations of as if by computer programming children are programmed into violence —Lisa A. Richette

Other Words from program Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about program

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Other words from program

Verb

programmability \(ˌ)prō-ˌgra-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

programmable \ˈprō-ˌgra-mə-bəl

\ adjective or noun

Examples of program in a Sentence

Noun

a program of regular dental checkups the program will tell us the scheduled order of musical numbers

Verb

He programmed the computer to calculate his monthly expenses and earnings. She is learning how to program in school. Can you help me program my cell phone?

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The union was assisted by volunteers from the Algonquin Argonauts youth football and cheer program. — Rafael Guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "Carpentersville man who lost legs in boating accident getting wheelchair-friendly house from team of volunteers," 14 July 2018 But some women artists weren’t able to take advantage of the center’s programs, according to Martin. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Unprecedented Billboard Campaign Puts Spotlight on Indigenous Artists in Canada," 13 July 2018 That has blocked Kushner at times from seeing some parts of the President's Daily Brief, a highly classified summary of world events that sometimes describes intelligence programs and operatives, the people said. — Carol D. Leonnig, Anchorage Daily News, "Limits still remain on security clearance for Trump son-in-law Kushner," 13 July 2018 Cameras will follow Corcoran, partnered with Hammerschlag, who takes her out on a boat off Biscayne Bay with girls taking part in the Females In the Natural Sciences (F.I.N.S) program at UM's Shark Research & Conservation Program. — Johnny Diaz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "'Shark Week' returns to Miami for 30th anniversary and features appearances by 'Gronk' and 'Shark Tank' stars," 13 July 2018 That program helped more than 175 homeowners transform their landscapes into climate-appropriate mini-watersheds that not only save water, but achieve additional benefits such as reducing storm water runoff and lessening green waste. — Pomerado News, "Water agencies increase incentives to replace turf," 13 July 2018 And there are more opportunities than ever for these guys to meet and get to know each other away from the field, from Super Bowl week events to various player engagement programs. — Jonathan Jones, SI.com, "Cam, AB and Opponents Who Team Up for Summer Workouts," 13 July 2018 Fox explained the importance of a JCC offering sports programs such as the soccer clinics. — Sergio Carmona, Jewish Journal, "Soccer clinics at area JCC focus on skills, sportsmanship," 13 July 2018 Apply to programs like Qkids to teach English to kids in China via video chat or Skype. — Alessandra Puccio /, NBC News, "Finding your (hidden) value," 13 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The festival is produced by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and is programmed by the non-profit Jazz Institute of Chicago; for complete schedule, visit www.chicagojazzfestival.us Howard Reich is a Tribune critic. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Jazz Fest expands into clubs," 28 June 2018 Supercomputers are increasingly being programmed to process vast amounts of data with artificial intelligence software. — Steve Lohr, New York Times, "China Extends Lead as Most Prolific Supercomputer Maker," 25 June 2018 Children are biologically programmed to grow best in the care of a parent figure. — Time, "Toddlers Separated From Parents at the Border Are Being Detained in 'Tender Age' Shelters," 20 June 2018 Children are biologically programmed to grow best in the care of a parent figure. — Garance Burke And Martha Mendoza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Youngest migrants held in ‘tender age’ shelters," 19 June 2018 Autopilot is programmed to disengage after a short period of time if the driver is not touching the wheel and ignores a series of alerts to take control. — Gary Gastelu, Fox News, "Feds banning sale of Autopilot Buddy device that enables hands-free Tesla operation," 19 June 2018 Due to the hostile nature of the Mexican media, especially in a World Cup year, most Mexican players are instinctively programmed to close off, unwilling to give much away in interviews. — Luis Miguel Echegaray, SI.com, "Jonathan Dos Santos Has His World Cup Chance, A Sense of Humor and Osorio's Back," 14 June 2018 At the time, the Ghost Nation was programmed as relatively peaceful and friendly. — Scott Meslow, GQ, "Westworld Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: Take My Heart When You Go," 11 June 2018 The Boston Athletic Association and John Hancock each run programs that provide bibs to runners who pledge to raise a certain amount of money for charity. — Emily Sweeney, BostonGlobe.com, "2018 Boston Marathon raised $36.6 million for charity," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'program.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.