'reprogram' originates from Latin and Greek elements: the Latin prefix 're-' (from Latin 're') meaning 'again', combined with 'program', which ultimately comes from Greek 'programma' via Late Latin 'programma' and Old French 'programme'.

'reprogram' was formed in modern English by prefixing 're-' to the base 'program' (itself from Latin/Greek 'programma' and Old French 'programme'); the -ing form 'reprogramming' developed regularly as the present-participle/gerund form.

Initially roots referred to 'a written public notice' (from Greek 'programma'), then shifted to 'written instructions' for a machine or plan; 'reprogram' came to mean 'set the instructions again' or 'change existing instructions'.