programming

programming — noun

1. the skill or activity of creating sets of instructions that tell a computer or d

1.nounB2
Definition

the skill or activity of creating sets of instructions that tell a computer or device exactly what tasks to perform, from handling simple calculations to running complex systems

Example

Samir finds programming satisfying because he enjoys solving logical problems step by step.

verb + programming: find programming [adjective]

The university now offers a degree in programming for students who enjoy working with technology.

collocation: degree in programming

Common collocations
  • learn programming
  • study programming
  • programming language
  • programming course
  • programming skill
  • background in programming
Synonyms
  • coding

    overlaps heavily but tends to focus on the act of writing code lines rather than the full activity of planning and developing software

  • software development

    broader; includes planning, testing, documentation, and maintenance beyond just writing instructions

  • computer science

    the academic discipline behind programming; much broader and more theoretical

Usage Note

This noun is uncountable and can be used on its own ('I enjoy programming') or attributively before another noun ('programming language,' 'programming course'). The related verb is spelled 'program' in American English and 'programme' in British English for non-computing senses.

Common Mistakes

I did programming yesterday night.
I did some programming last night.' or 'I worked on programming last night.
'Programming' as an uncountable noun often pairs with 'some' or 'a lot of' rather than standing alone as a direct object with 'do.'

2. the process of choosing and arranging the content that will be shown on televisi

2.nounB2
Definition

the process of choosing and arranging the content that will be shown on television, played on the radio, or featured at a cultural event over a set period of time

Example

The television network's summer programming includes several new reality shows and a drama series.

noun modifier: summer programming

Brooke complained about the late-night programming on the local radio station last month.

Common collocations
  • summer programming
  • children's programming
  • festival programming
  • programming schedule
  • evening programming
  • music programming
Synonyms
  • scheduling

    focuses on the timing aspect rather than content selection

  • curating

    emphasizes choosing content by quality or theme; more common in arts and museum contexts

  • line-up

    informal noun; 'the festival line-up announced today'

Usage Note

Often paired with a modifier that specifies the time frame, venue, or target audience, as in 'summer programming,' 'children's programming,' or 'festival programming.' This sense is distinct from sense 1 by its focus on content selection and scheduling rather than technical instruction.

Common Mistakes

The wedding programming was beautiful.
The wedding programme was beautiful.
'Programming' for event scheduling is used for ongoing series (TV, radio, festivals), not one-time events like weddings.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Programming' and 'coding' are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but 'coding' typically points to the act of writing individual lines of code, while 'programming' covers the broader process of problem-solving, designing logic, testing, and fixing errors. 'Software development' is wider still — it includes planning requirements, working with a team, testing across systems, and maintaining the product after launch. 'Computer science' is the academic discipline that studies the theoretical foundations of computation, algorithms, and data structures; it is much broader and more mathematical than the hands-on skill of programming. For example, someone might say 'I learned coding from online tutorials' (narrow skill), 'I work in software development' (professional role), and 'I studied computer science at university' (academic field).

programming ↗codingsoftware developmentcomputer science

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'programme' entered English from French in the 1600s, ultimately from the Greek 'programma' meaning 'a written public notice' (from 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'graphein' meaning 'to write'). The sense of a planned schedule for an event or broadcast developed first. In the 1940s, with the invention of electronic computers, the word gained the meaning of a set of coded instructions for a machine. The spelling 'program' became standard in American English for all uses, while British English keeps 'programme' for broadcast and event contexts but uses 'program' for computing.