programes

Programes is not a standard dictionary headword in English. In most contexts, it appears as a misspelling or mistaken form of either programs or programmes, depending on the intended meaning and the variety of English being used. As a result, it is typically treated as an error rather than a legitimate variant.

In British English, programme is a noun meaning a planned series of events, especially broadcasts, or a schedule of performances. The plural form is programmes. In American English, the corresponding sense uses program, with the plural programs, and the British sense of a broadcast or event schedule is less common under that spelling. The term program is also widely used in computing to refer to a set of instructions that a computer follows, with the plural programs; the related verb is to program, and the noun form programming is common in both varieties.

Etymologically, programme derives from the French programme, ultimately from Latin programma, meaning “something written publicly.” Program, in the software sense, reflects the newer usage where the word extended from a general sense of a plan or schedule to a specific set of instructions for a computer.

Usage guidance: in formal writing, use programme and programmes when referring to broadcasts or scheduled events in British English, and use program and programs for software or computing contexts (common in both British and American usage). If you encounter pro gram es in text, treat it as a likely misspelling and correct it to the appropriate form based on meaning.