variants
or British programme
plural programs
1
: a plan of things that are done in order to achieve a specific result
government programs
a program of regular dental checkups
a workout program
2
: a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do
a sorting program
He writes computer programs.
Note: In this sense, the spelling program is used in both U.S. and British English.
3
: a thin book or a piece of paper that gives information about a concert, play, sports game, etc.
a theater program
4
: something that is broadcast on television or radio
a news program [=show]
the morning program
5
US
: a group of classes that lead to a degree : a course of study
The university has a great graduate program.
I enrolled in the teaching program.
variants
or British programme
programs; programmed or programed; programming or programing
1
a
: to give (a computer) a set of instructions to perform a particular action : to create a program for (a computer)
He programmed the computer to calculate his monthly expenses and earnings.
—often used as (be) programmedThe computer is programmed to create monthly sales reports.
She is learning how to program in school.
Note: In this sense, the spelling program is used in both U.S. and British English.
b
: to give (a machine) a set of instructions to perform a particular action
Can you help me program my cell phone?
program a VCR
2
: to make (a person or animal) behave or think in a particular way
—often used as (be) programmed
Some people are programmed to be violent. [=some people have a natural or acquired tendency to be violent]
instinctive behaviors that are genetically programmed in animals
Cite this Entry
“Program.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/program. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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