On the page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_programmingParallel programming is a computer programming technique that provides for the execution of operations in parallel, either within a single computer, or across a number of systems. In the latter case, the term distributed computing is used.
Note: FullyParallelProgramming is a different topic about programmers working in parallel. -- JohnFletcher
An example is dividing the work done by the (normally serial) search methods used by a chess program to efficiently take advantage of multiple processors. One popular method is "Young Brothers Wait".