programme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “programme” mean?
A planned series of future events, items, or performances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A planned series of future events, items, or performances; a set of related operations, activities, or procedures designed to achieve a specific outcome.
A broadcast on television or radio; a set of structured instructions for a computer to follow; a printed list of events or performers at a public event, such as a concert or play.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'programme' is the preferred spelling for most senses (TV, schedule, plan). The spelling 'program' is reserved almost exclusively for computing. In AmE, 'program' is used for all senses, making 'programme' very rare.
Connotations
The BrE spelling 'programme' often carries a formal or official connotation (e.g., government programme, TV programme). The AmE 'program' is completely neutral across contexts.
Frequency
'Programme' is of very high frequency in BrE for non-computing contexts. In AmE, 'programme' is extremely rare and may be perceived as a Britishism or a deliberate stylistic choice.
Grammar
How to Use “programme” in a Sentence
launch a programmeimplement a programmedesign a programmedevelop a programmewatch a programmeschedule a programmebe part of a programmeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “programme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to programme the new series for autumn.
- He learnt how to program in Python.
American English
- We need to program the new series for fall.
- He learned how to program in Python.
adverb
British English
- The event was programme-linked to the main conference.
- (No strongly established adverbial form)
American English
- The event was program-linked to the main conference.
- (No strongly established adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The programme notes were very detailed.
- Program music tells a story.
American English
- The program notes were very detailed.
- Program music tells a story.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a strategic plan or initiative, e.g., 'a cost-reduction programme'.
Academic
Refers to a structured course of study or research plan, e.g., 'a doctoral programme'.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to a TV/radio show, e.g., 'Did you see that programme last night?'
Technical
In computing (using 'program'), refers to software; in engineering, refers to a set of coded instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “programme”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “programme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “programme”
- Using 'programme' in AmE contexts (incorrect).
- Using 'program' for a TV show in formal BrE writing (considered a spelling error).
- Confusing 'programme' (noun) with 'to program' (verb, esp. in computing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'programme' is very rare in American English and is generally considered a British spelling. Americans use 'program' for all meanings, including TV shows and plans.
British English uses 'program' specifically in the context of computing and software (e.g., a computer program). For all other meanings (TV, schedule, plan), 'programme' is the standard spelling.
The verb is 'to program' in both varieties for computing (program a computer). For the sense of 'to schedule', British English may use 'to programme' (programme the recordings), while American English uses 'to program'.
No, there is no pronunciation difference. Both spellings are pronounced identically in their respective dialects (/ˈprəʊɡræm/ in BrE, /ˈproʊɡræm/ in AmE).
A planned series of future events, items, or performances.
Programme is usually formal to neutral in register.
Programme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈproʊɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get with the programme”
- “a programme for change”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the extra 'me' in 'programme' as in 'schedule for ME' – a personal plan, which aligns with its BrE use for general plans and broadcasts.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PROGRAMME (a sequence of planned events); A PLAN IS A SET OF INSTRUCTIONS (like a computer program).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'programme/program' correctly in a British English context?