Program vs. Programme
The regional split is sense-sensitive: Cambridge uses “program” for computer software, while “program” is also the US/Australian spelling of UK “programme” for many planned activities and broadcasts.
For computer software, use “program.” For many non-computing plan/broadcast senses, use “program” in US English and “programme” in UK English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Sense / region | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Computer software | program | Use the computing spelling regardless of the broader UK “programme” convention. |
| Planned activity or broadcast in US English | program | US English uses “program.” |
| Planned activity or broadcast in UK English | programme | UK English commonly uses “programme.” |
Quick tests
Sense-first test
Are you naming computer software, or a non-computing plan/event/broadcast?
If yes: For software, use “program.”
If no: For non-computing senses, follow the relevant regional spelling.
Caveat: Do not apply the UK “programme” spelling mechanically to computer software.
Examples
The program checks each file for errors.
Computer software uses “program.”
US style: The concert program lists all performers.
US English uses “program” for the non-computing sense.
UK style: The festival programme begins at noon.
UK English commonly uses “programme” for the non-computing sense.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “program” for computer software. For a planned series or broadcast, US English normally uses “program” while UK English normally uses “programme.”
Fast Test
Match the form to the intended meaning, regional convention, or required house style, then keep that choice consistent.
Variant Boundary
Do not mechanically change every British “program” to “programme”: the computing noun remains “program,” and verb treatment can depend on sense and house style.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Program — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Computer-program sense plus US/Australian program spelling for programme senses
- Programme — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK programme form for broadcasts, plans, and related non-computing senses