A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array in which memory cell units are arranged in a matrix, each memory cell unit being constructed by connecting plural memory cells, each of which is electrically rewritable, a select gate connected to a select gate line for connecting a memory cell unit to a bitline, a precharge circuit connected to a first node of the bitline, for supplying a precharge voltage higher than an power supply voltage in programming of data, and a latch circuit connected to a second node of the bitline via a transfer gate for holding data to be programmed into a memory cell, wherein channels of the plurality of the memory cells constituting a selected memory cell unit are charged to the precharge voltage in programming of data.