What does "program" mean?
A set of structured activities; a plan of action.
Program
/ˈpɹəʊˌɡɹæm/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A set of structured activities; a plan of action.
- Grammar: program is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: application, computer program, curriculum, plan.
- Useful contrasts: chaos, deprogram, disorder.
- Usage evidence: It would be something I'd have to program.
How to use "program"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "program" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "program" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "program" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "program" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "program" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "application" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "program", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A set of structured activities; a plan of action.
"get with the program"
- 2 a performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation wordnet
- 3 A leaflet listing information about a play, game or other activity.
"The program consisted of ads for restaurants and the credits of everyone connected with the play."
- 4 a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished wordnet
- 5 A set of principal goals which someone, especially a political party or candidate, supports.
"the Toronto Sun, a daily tabloid whose programme is roughly that of the American National Enquirer or the British News of the World"
Show 10 more definitions
- 6 a system of projects or services intended to meet a public need wordnet
- 7 A performance of a show or other broadcast on radio or television.
"Tonight’s program was hosted by Johnny Carson."
- 8 a document stating the aims and principles of a political party wordnet
- 9 A computer program.
"The program runs on both Linux and Microsoft Windows."
- 10 (computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute wordnet
- 11 A particular mindset or method of doing things. especially
"Ellis: Come on, John, why don’t you get with the program and tell him where the detonators are?"
- 12 a radio or television show wordnet
- 13 A custom tracklist.
"program playback"
- 14 an integrated course of academic studies wordnet
- 15 an announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event wordnet
Verb
- 1 To enter a program or other instructions into (a computer or other electronic device) to instruct it to do a particular task. transitive
"He programmed the DVR to record his favorite show."
- 2 arrange a program of or for wordnet
- 3 To develop (software) by writing program code. transitive
"I programmed a small game as a demonstration."
- 4 write a computer program wordnet
- 5 To put together the schedule of an event. transitive
"Mary will program Tuesday’s festivities."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To schedule the programming; to determine what will be broadcast.
"We program for special audience groups, too, as shown by our Mexican language program each Sunday morning."
- 7 To cause to automatically behave in a particular way. transitive
"The lab rat was programmed to press the lever when the bell rang."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"It would be something I'd have to program."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "program"?
Common synonyms include: application, computer program, curriculum, plan, a course, activate timer.
How do you use "program" in a sentence?
It would be something I'd have to program.
How do you pronounce "program"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹəʊˌɡɹæm/.
Etymology
From French programme, from Late Latin programma (“a proclamation, edict”), from Ancient Greek πρόγραμμα (prógramma, “a written public notice, an edict”), from προγράφω (prográphō, “I set forth as a public notice”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + γράφω (gráphō, “I write”). Doublet of programma.