What does programme mean?
Programme is chiefly a British English word for a schedule, a formal plan, or a series of organized activities. It can describe anything from a concert season to a research programme or the planned activities of an institution. In broadcasting, a programme is an individual television or radio show, as in a nightly news programme or a popular comedy programme. As a verb, programme means to include or arrange something within a plan, as when a concert programme is revised to accommodate additional performances. The word often conveys organization, structure, and deliberate planning, though it can sound somewhat formal in institutional settings. In British usage, computer software is normally called a program, whereas programme is preferred for schedules and broadcasts. American English generally uses program for both meanings. The spelling difference reflects broader historical variation rather than two entirely unrelated words: both descend from Greek programma, meaning a public notice or written proclamation, through French and Latin.
A schedule, organized plan, or series of activities; also, in broadcasting, a television or radio show.
"The gallery has launched a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions."
The broadcast sense is especially associated with British English; in American English, program is normally used instead.
To include, schedule, or arrange something within a programme or plan.
"The organisers programmed an additional concert after demand exceeded expectations."
This is chiefly a British English form. In American English, program is normally used for this verb, and in British English computer software is also usually programmed rather than programmé in the relevant sense.
The regular plural is programmes in British spelling.
"The school offers several extracurricular programmes for pupils."
One word, two regional traditions: British viewers tune in to a television programme, while most Americans tune in to a television program.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does programme come from?
The English word programme comes through French from Latin programma, which derives from Greek programma, meaning a public notice or written proclamation. Its later sense as a schedule or plan developed from the idea of a formally written announcement or order of events. The spelling programme is traditional in British English, while the reduced spelling program became standard in American English and is also usual for computer software in British usage.
Related word forms
How programme is actually used
Programme is especially common in British English and sounds formal or institutional when it refers to an organized course of activities. In informal contexts, show is a natural alternative for a television or radio programme.
Easily confused with programme
In British English, programme usually means a schedule, planned series of activities, or broadcast, while program normally refers to computer software; in American English, program is used for both sets of meanings.