program

A show that you watch on television or listen to on the radio.

• This program starts at eight.
• We watched a nature program last night.
• Which radio programs do you listen to?

Similar words: show, broadcast, programme

Common phrases: television program, radio program, watch a program

A set of instructions that makes a computer perform a task.

• This program checks your spelling.
• I installed two new programs yesterday.
• Why does the program keep closing?

Similar words: application, app

Common phrases: computer program, install a program, run a program

A planned series of activities designed to achieve a particular goal.

• I follow an exercise program.
• She completed a training program last month.
• The new program helps children learn to read.

How to use it: a program of something (The school offers a program of evening classes.)

Similar words: plan, scheme

Common phrases: training program, exercise program, education program, program of reform

A small printed guide giving information about a show or event.

• I bought a program before the show.
• The program lists all the actors.
• We kept our programs as souvenirs.

Similar words: booklet, programme

Common phrases: concert program, theater program, printed program, event program

To write computer instructions that make software work.

• I am learning to program.
• She programmed a simple game last week.
• Can you program in more than one language?

How to use it: program in something (She learned to program in Python.); program something to do something (He programmed the computer to sort the names.)

Similar words: code

Common phrases: program a computer, program in python, learn to program

To give an electronic device instructions so it does a particular task.

• I programmed the timer for six.
• She programmed the oven to start later.
• Can this device be programmed remotely?

How to use it: program something to do something (I programmed the recorder to save the match.)

Similar words: set

Common phrases: program a timer, program a device, program an alarm

To decide which activities an event will include and when they will happen.

• They program concerts for the summer.
• She programmed a full day of activities.
• Who will program next year’s festival?

Similar words: schedule, plan, arrange

Common phrases: program a festival, program an event, program concerts