program vs programme: what's the difference?

In British English, a programme is a show, plan or schedule, and a program is computer software. American English uses program for all of these.

program

/ˈprəʊɡræm/

Meaning: computer software (and all senses in American English)

Example: “Install the program on your laptop.”

Full definition of program →

programme

/ˈprəʊɡræm/

Meaning: a television or radio show, or a plan of activities (British English)

Example: “my favourite TV programme”

Full definition of programme →

How to remember

In the UK, computers run programs; televisions show programmes.

More commonly confused words