Program vs. Programme — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Program is the preferred spelling in American English. Programme is used in British English.
Difference Between Program and Programme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Program and Programme are essentially the same word with different regional spellings. "Program" is the preferred spelling in American English, reflecting a more simplified approach to spelling. "Programme" is favored in British English, where tradition often influences spelling choices.
The word Program, in American English, is versatile, covering everything from computer software to a plan of activities. Programme, in British English, holds the same meanings but often appears in contexts like television schedules or event lineups.
Program is commonly used in technical and modern contexts, particularly in computing. Programme, while conveying similar meanings, sometimes carries a more classical or formal tone in British English.
In both American and British English, the words Program and Programme can denote a sequence of instructions for a computer. However, in technological contexts, "program" is universally preferred.
When referring to educational courses, Americans use Program, while Brits use Programme. Both indicate a structured set of courses or a study plan but adhere to their respective regional spelling norms.
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Comparison Chart
Regional Use
American English
British English
Spelling Tendency
Simplified
Traditional
Computer Context
Always "Program"
Rarely "Programme"
Educational Context
"Educational Program"
"Educational Programme"
Formality
Neutral
Slightly more formal
Compare with Definitions
Program
A set of coded instructions that a computer can understand.
The new software program greatly improved productivity.
Programme
An organized plan of action by a government.
The health programme aims to improve community wellness.
Program
An agenda or schedule for an event or broadcast.
The festival program includes concerts and workshops.
Programme
A planned series of activities or events.
The theatre's programme for the season features four plays.
Program
A structured course of study at an educational institution.
She enrolled in a graduate program in psychology.
Programme
A structured course of study at an educational institution.
He's completing a master's programme in history.
Program
Content produced for television or radio.
My favorite TV program airs at 8 PM.
Programme
A detailed plan or schedule for a concert or play.
The concert programme lists all the musical pieces.
Program
A planned series of actions by a government.
The new housing program aims to assist low-income families.
Programme
Content produced for television or radio.
Did you watch the latest programme on BBC?
Program
A listing of the order of events and other pertinent information for a public presentation.
Programme
Variant of program.
Program
The presentation itself
A program of piano pieces.
Programme
Standard spelling of program
Our programme for today’s exercise class includes swimming and jogging.
The programme about Greek architecture starts at 9:00 on Channel 4.
Program
A scheduled radio or television show.
Programme
Alternative spelling of program
Program
An ordered list of events to take place or procedures to be followed; a schedule
A program of physical therapy for a convalescent.
Programme
Standard spelling of program
Program
A system of services, opportunities, or projects, usually designed to meet a social need
"Working parents rely on the center's after-school latchkey program" (New York Times).
Programme
That which is written or printed as a public notice or advertisement; a scheme; a prospectus; especially, a brief outline or explanation of the order to be pursued, or the subjects embraced, in any public exercise, performance, or entertainment; a preliminary sketch.
Program
A course of academic study; a curriculum.
Programme
An announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event;
You can't tell the players without a program
Program
A plan or system of academic and related or ancillary activities
A work-study program.
Programme
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Program
A plan or system of nonacademic extracurricular activities
The football program.
Programme
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Program
A set of coded instructions that enables a machine, especially a computer, to perform a desired sequence of operations.
Programme
(computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute;
The program required several hundred lines of code
Program
An instruction sequence in programmed instruction.
Programme
A system of projects or services intended to meet a public need;
He proposed an elaborate program of public works
Working mothers rely on the day care program
Program
All or part of the genetic code of a cell or organism.
Programme
A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished;
They drew up a six-step plan
They discussed plans for a new bond issue
Program
A characteristic sequence of developmental or behavioral events in a cell or organism, often considered to result from the expression of genes.
Programme
A performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation;
The program lasted more than two hours
Program
A stimulus or training sequence that causes an organism to exhibit a behavior, as by conditioning.
Programme
Write a computer program
Program
To include or schedule in a program
Program a new musical composition.
Programme
Arrange a program of or for;
Program the 80th birthday party
Program
To design a program for; schedule the activities of.
Program
To provide (a machine) with a set of coded working instructions.
Program
To stimulate or train to perform automatically in a specified way
Consumers who have been programmed to buy brand names.
Program
To prepare an instructional sequence for (material to be taught) in programmed instruction.
Program
To provide (a cell or organism, for example) with a genetic program
Cells that are programmed to produce insulin.
Program
To cause (an effect or action) by means of a genetic program; determine genetically
"The basic housekeeping duties that a human and a yeast cell must perform are the same and are programmed by recognizably similar genes inherited from a common, single-celled ancestor" (Nicholas Wade).
Program
A set of structured activities.
Our program for today’s exercise class includes swimming and jogging.
Program
A leaflet listing information about a play, game or other activity.
The program consisted of ads for restaurants and the credits of everyone connected with the play.
Program
(politics) A set of principle goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate
Program
(broadcasting) A performance of a show or other broadcast on radio or television.
Tonight’s program was hosted by Johnny Carson.
Program
(computing) A software application, or a collection of software applications, designed to perform a specific task.
The program runs on both Linux and Microsoft Windows.
Program
A particular mindset or method of doing things.
Program
(transitive) To enter a program or other instructions into (a computer or other electronic device) to instruct it to do a particular task.
He programmed the DVR to record his favorite show.
Program
(transitive) To develop (software) by writing program code.
I programmed a small game as a demonstration.
Program
(transitive) To put together the schedule of an event.
Mary will program Tuesday’s festivities.
Program
(broadcasting) To schedule the programming; to determine what will be broadcast.
Program
(transitive) To cause to automatically behave in a particular way.
The lab rat was programmed to press the lever when the bell rang.
Program
Same as Programme.
Program
A system of projects or services intended to meet a public need;
He proposed an elaborate program of public works
Working mothers rely on the day care program
Program
A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished;
They drew up a six-step plan
They discussed plans for a new bond issue
Program
(computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute;
The program required several hundred lines of code
Program
An integrated course of academic studies;
He was admitted to a new program at the university
Program
A radio or television show;
Did you see his program last night?
Program
A performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation;
The program lasted more than two hours
Program
A document stating the aims and principles of a political party;
Their candidate simply ignored the party platform
They won the election even though they offered no positive program
Program
An announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event;
You can't tell the players without a program
Program
Arrange a program of or for;
Program the 80th birthday party
Program
Write a computer program
Common Curiosities
In technology, which spelling is preferred globally?
"Program" is preferred globally in technology.
Is "program" or "programme" correct?
Both are correct; "program" is American English, and "programme" is British English.
Can "program" refer to a government initiative?
Yes, "program" can refer to a government initiative in American English.
Can "program" and "programme" be used interchangeably?
They can, but it's best to use the spelling that matches your regional English.
Should I use "programme" in American documents?
No, it's best to use "program" in American English contexts.
Are the meanings of "program" and "programme" the same?
Yes, they carry the same meanings, just different spellings.
Are there cases where "programme" is used in American English?
It's quite rare and typically seen only in specific contexts mimicking British English.
In education, which term should I use?
Use "program" in American English and "programme" in British English.
Can "program" refer to a printed schedule?
Yes, especially for events like festivals or concerts.
Is "programme" outdated?
No, it's still actively used in British English.
Does "program" ever refer to a TV show in British English?
Rarely; "programme" is the standard term for TV shows in British English.
Does "program" have different meanings?
Yes, it can refer to a computer program, an agenda, a TV show, etc.
Is "programme" ever used in computing?
Very rarely; "program" is the standard term in computing.
Is "program" or "programme" more formal?
"Programme" can sometimes feel more formal, particularly in British English.
Is it important to be consistent with these terms in writing?
Yes, consistency in spelling according to your regional English is important for clarity and professionalism.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
