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programming: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High (C2)
UK/ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/US/ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

Formal, Technical, Academic, Everyday (in tech contexts)

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Quick answer

What does “programming” mean?

The process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.

The action or process of planning or arranging a structured sequence of events, activities, or data; often used metaphorically.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: In British English, the verb form is 'programme' (to schedule/broadcast) but 'program' for computing. The gerund/noun 'programming' is used for both. In American English, 'program' and 'programming' are used for all senses. In UK English, 'programming' for computing is overwhelmingly dominant, while 'programming' for TV/broadcast can also be 'scheduling'.

Connotations

In both varieties, the word strongly connotes computing/tech. The broadcast/TV sense is secondary and formal.

Frequency

Extremely high frequency in both varieties due to the tech industry. The computing sense is dominant (>95% of usage).

Grammar

How to Use “programming” in a Sentence

Programming + [noun] (e.g., programming languages)Programming + [preposition] (e.g., programming for beginners, programming in Python)Programming + [adjective] (e.g., concurrent programming)Do/learn/study/teach + programming

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
computer programminglearn programmingprogramming languageprogramming skillsobject-oriented programming
medium
functional programmingevent programmingdo some programmingexpert in programmingteach programming
weak
intensive programmingdedicated programmingadvanced programmingbasic programmingnight of programming

Examples

Examples of “programming” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • He is learning to program in Java.
  • The BBC will programme a new documentary series.

American English

  • She programmed the robot to navigate the maze.
  • The network is programming a marathon of classic films.

adverb

British English

  • This tool is programming-related.
  • He works programming-heavily on backend systems.

American English

  • She thinks very programming-logically.
  • The role is not purely programming-focused.

adjective

British English

  • She landed a programming internship.
  • The programming team uses Agile methodology.

American English

  • He has strong programming fundamentals.
  • We need to fix a programming error, or bug.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to the core activity of software companies and IT departments.

Academic

A subject of study in computer science, mathematics, and engineering courses.

Everyday

Commonly understood as 'making computer programs' or 'working with computers'.

Technical

The precise activity of writing source code in a specific language following algorithms and paradigms.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “programming”

Strong

software engineeringapplication development

Neutral

codingsoftware development

Weak

scriptingwriting code

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “programming”

hardware maintenancemanual operationanalogue process

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “programming”

  • Using 'programmation' (a French-influenced error).
  • Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'I wrote three programmings').
  • Confusing 'programming' (activity) with 'program' (the product).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but that is its dominant meaning (99%+). It can formally refer to scheduling, like 'television programming', but in everyday talk, it means coding.

In casual use, they are synonyms. Technically, 'coding' often refers to the act of writing code, while 'programming' encompasses the entire process (design, code, test, debug). 'Programming' is more formal and comprehensive.

For the computing noun/gerund, it's always 'programming'. For the verb meaning 'to schedule/broadcast', British English traditionally uses 'programme', but 'program' is also accepted. The computing verb is always 'program'.

Rarely. It's usually a mass noun (e.g., 'I do programming'). The plural 'programmings' is non-standard and should be avoided. Use 'programs' or 'pieces of software' for countable items.

The process of designing, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of computer programs.

Programming is usually formal, technical, academic, everyday (in tech contexts) in register.

Programming: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Back to the drawing board (when a program fails)”
  • “Garbage in, garbage out (related to programming logic)”
  • “It's not a bug, it's a feature (programmer humour)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

PROgramming is for PROfessionals who make PROgrams. Think: PRO + GRAM (as in diagram - a plan) + ING = making a detailed plan for a computer.

Conceptual Metaphor

PROGRAMMING IS CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING (building software, laying code, architectural design), PROGRAMMING IS WRITING (writing code, scripting, a language).

Practice

Quiz

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'programming' in modern English?