A programme is a plan of activities or events arranged in order; a television or radio show; or a printed booklet given out at a performance, ceremony, or sports event. As a verb, to programme means to plan or schedule a series of activities or events.
What Does Programme Mean?
Programme entered English in the early 19th century via French programme, itself from Latin programma and Greek πρόγραμμα (programma), combining pro- (before, in advance) and gramma (writing). The original meaning was a public notice or written announcement of coming events — naturally extending to the printed booklet handed out at concerts and theatres, and later to any organised sequence of activities.
Today programme covers four overlapping senses that ESL learners need to distinguish. First, an organised plan: a training programme, a government programme, a language programme. Second, a broadcast: a television programme, a radio programme. Third, the printed booklet at an event: a theatre programme, a concert programme. Fourth, the verb use: to programme a series of events.
One important spelling note: in British English the word is always programme except when referring to computer software, where program is the established standard. American English uses program for all meanings. If you are writing for a UK audience, keep the -me ending in all non-computing contexts.
Example Sentences (A2 to C1)
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| She enrolled in a one-year English language programme at the local college. | A2 — programme as a study plan |
| Did you watch that nature programme on BBC One last night? | B1 — programme as a TV show |
| We bought a programme at the door so we could follow the order of events. | B1 — programme as a printed booklet |
| The government has programmed a series of infrastructure investments over the next decade. | B2 — programme as a verb (past tense) |
| The rehabilitation programme is designed to reintegrate offenders into society through skills training and mentorship. | C1 — programme in a formal policy context |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| training programme | All new staff must complete the two-week training programme. |
| television programme | The television programme attracted five million viewers. |
| degree programme | She applied for the part-time degree programme in linguistics. |
| pilot programme | The pilot programme will be trialled in three schools before a national rollout. |
| language programme | The language programme includes reading, writing, and conversation classes. |
| exchange programme | He joined the exchange programme and spent a semester in Madrid. |
| fitness programme | Her doctor recommended a gentle fitness programme three times a week. |
| launch a programme | The charity launched a new outreach programme last spring. |
| follow a programme | It is important to follow the programme consistently to see results. |
| complete a programme | Students who complete the programme receive a certificate of achievement. |
Usage Notes
Key Points for Learners
Spelling: programme vs program. In British English, use programme for all meanings except computer software. "I watched a programme" (TV show); "Install the program" (software). American English uses program for everything.
Verb forms. As a verb, the past tense in British English is programmed (double m): "We have programmed three events for the week." The present participle is programming. In British English these double-m forms are standard.
Countable and uncountable. Programme is almost always countable: "a programme", "several programmes". It is not normally used as an uncountable mass noun. The plural form programmes is common: "The college offers four postgraduate programmes."
Register. In formal or academic writing, prefer programme for educational and policy contexts. In casual speech, British speakers also use programme for TV, while Americans say show or program.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
I watched an interesting program about animals last night. (British English context — wrong spelling)
I watched an interesting programme about animals last night.
She is following a programme of losing weight. (wrong preposition after programme)
She is following a programme for losing weight. / She is following a weight-loss programme.
The new program was programed to start at 9 am. (single m — non-standard in British English)
The new programme was programmed to start at 9 am.