Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of program
"The company launched several new software programs to improve customer service and data security."
In plain English: Programs are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do.
"We watched our favorite programs on television last night."
Usage: Use programs to refer to planned series of events, such as TV shows or computer software applications. Avoid confusing this with the singular form when discussing multiple distinct items in a list.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of program
"The software programs automatically back up your files every night at midnight."
In plain English: To program something means to give it specific instructions so it knows what actions to take.
"The school will program the robots to dance during the holiday show."
Usage: Do not use "program" as a verb to mean "to schedule an event," as this is a common error; instead, use "schedule" or "plan." Reserve the verb "program" strictly for technical contexts involving computers, machines, or electronic devices.
Derived from the Greek progignōskein via French, it originally meant to announce or proclaim in advance. In modern usage, it refers to a planned set of actions or an electronic sequence of instructions.