Programme vs Program | Spelling & Definition

In American English, the correct spelling is always program. In British English, it is less simple. For most meanings of the noun and the verb, it is spelled programme, with the exception being in the computing world, where the preferred spelling is program.

Programme vs program in a sentence examples
The local library was known for its exciting programme/program of poetry readings and children’s story times.

Gill had collected the programme/program from every play and concert she had attended.

The program/program that controlled the lighting rig was beautifully simple to use.

Gurvinder’s most challenging task each year was to programme/program the after-school events.

Steve wondered why it was so difficult just to program/program the central heating controller.

Note
Typically, regions like Australia and Canada follow British English spelling, rather than American English. However, with program, Canada uses the American spelling.

Program or programme?

Program/programme is a noun and a verb that is spelled differently depending on both regional variation and context.

In both American English and British English, the correct spelling for both verb and noun when referring to a computer application is program. This is also the correct spelling for all other uses of the word in American English.

In British English, the correct spelling for all other uses of the word is programme. This is true of the noun meaning “schedule of events” or “printed list of event details” as well as the verb meaning “arrange a series of happenings.”

One important point to remember is that, when used as a verb, the present participle is programming and the past participle is programmed no matter how program/programme is spelled.

Program or programme in a sentence examples
Writing a computer program/program requires a knowledge of code, which is why the process is often called “coding.”

One of the many ways promoters make money is by selling a souvenir program/programme for the event.

Planning the program/programme for the day can be tricky, especially the after-lunch “graveyard slot.”

Sara said she would program/program the timer for me, which was a great relief.

Note
A number of words in British English take their spellings from American English when applied to computing. As well as program, these include:

  • Disk: The more common British English spelling is “disc,” except when referring to “hard disc” or “floppy disc.”
  • Dialog box: The usual spelling for a conversation in British English is dialogue, but in computing contexts, the American spelling is preferred.

Frequently asked questions about programme vs program

Is program correct in British English?

Yes, program is correct in British English when it refers to computers or IT. When used as a noun or verb referring to a schedule, list of events, or printed information about an event, the correct spelling is programme.

In American English, it is always spelled program, for all meanings and for both the verb and noun.

The QuillBot Grammar Checker has selectable regional settings, so you can be sure you have the correct spelling of program or programme.

Is it programed or programmed?

The correct spelling is programmed. This is true for both American English and British English.

In the world of computers and IT, the correct spelling of the infinitive form of the verb as well as the noun is always program.

In American English, the correct spelling in every context is program, but in British English, programme is used for all meanings apart from computing (e.g., “Don’t forget to buy your souvenir programme at the concert”). This is true for both noun and verb.

You can use the selectable regional settings in the QuillBot Grammar Checker to make sure you have spelled program or programme correctly.

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Trevor Marshall, MSc

Trevor has a BA in English Literature & Language and an MSc in Applied Social Studies. He has been a teacher for 25 years, with 15 years experience teaching ESL alongside 1st language students.