Program (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun

a plan of action to accomplish a specified end: a school lunch program.
a plan or schedule of activities, procedures, etc., to be followed.
a broadcasted television or radio production or similar internet-based content produced for distribution.
a precise sequence of instructions enabling a computer to perform a task; a piece of software.
a collection of principles, actions, objectives, etc., established with a long-term goal in mind; platform; policy: A review of our education initiatives and programs suggests we are meeting our goals.
a list of items, pieces, performers, etc., in a musical, theatrical, or other entertainment.
an entertainment with reference to its pieces or numbers: a program of American and French music.
a planned, coordinated group of activities, procedures, etc., often for a specific purpose, or a facility offering such a series of activities: a drug rehabilitation program;a graduate program in linguistics.
a prospectus or syllabus: a program of courses being offered.

verb (used with object), pro·grammed or pro·gramed, pro·gram·ming or pro·gram·ing.

to schedule as part of a program.
to write code for (a computer program or application).
to insert or encode specific operating instructions into (a machine or apparatus): We'll program the bells to ring at ten-minute intervals.
to insert (instructions) into a machine or apparatus: An automatic release has been programmed into the lock as a safety feature.
to cause to absorb or incorporate automatic responses, attitudes, or the like; condition: Our parents programmed us to respect our elders.
to set, regulate, or modify so as to produce a specific response or reaction: Program your eating habits to eliminate sweets.