parentprogram

noun

UK /ˈpeə.rənt ˈprəʊ.ɡræm/

US /ˈper.ənt ˈproʊ.ɡræm/

A parent program is a big program that other smaller programs belong to.

The drawing app is a parent program that opens all its little helper tools.

SYNONYMS

main program host program master program controlling program

RELATED WORDS

subprogram child program software suite application

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A program that starts and manages other programs on a computer.

The launcher acts as a parent program for every game on the machine.

3. In education, a main school program that includes smaller special classes.

The science academy is a parent program with many after-school clubs.

4. A company's main plan that smaller projects follow.

The new safety rules come from the parent program at headquarters.