WordGarden.iocourse
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɔːs/
US
- /ˈkɔrs/
Meanings
Noun
a series of lessons or classes on a subject
the way events, actions, or a process develop or are handled
a route, path, or direction followed by something moving
More meaningsFewer meanings
one part of a meal served separately
a prepared area or route for a sport or race
a planned period or series of medical treatment
Verb
to flow or move quickly along a path
Beyond the definition
A "course" can mean many things! Think about charting a ship's course across the ocean—that's its planned route or direction. But it also describes what you take in school: a course in history, math, or pottery. And if you've eaten three courses at a fancy restaurant, you've enjoyed a multi-part meal! People also talk about a "course of action" (a plan) and a "golf course" (the place where you play). The word comes from the idea of running or proceeding along a path. So, whether you're planning a journey, studying a subject, or enjoying a meal, "course" often points to something that moves step by step.
The word "course" is surprisingly versatile, holding several distinct meanings depending on context. At its heart, it refers to the direction something travels—like the course of a river flowing towards the sea, or the course a plane takes through the sky. This sense emphasizes a path or route.
However, "course" is most commonly associated with education. A course in college is a series of lessons and assignments focused on a specific subject: "She's taking a challenging course in astrophysics." It can also refer to a complete program of study: "He completed the full course of medical training."
Beyond direction and education, "course" describes stages or parts of something. A multi-course meal is one with several dishes served in order—appetizer, main course, dessert. You might also talk about the natural course of a disease, meaning how it develops over time, or a course of treatment, such as a course of antibiotics.
"Course" can also mean a plan you choose to follow. A "course of action" is simply what you decide to do next: "We need to choose the best course of action."
In some settings, a "course" is a piece of land or a prepared track. A golf course is where you play; a race course is where a race is held; and an obstacle course is a set of challenges you move through in order.
Figuratively, "of course" is a common phrase used to express agreement or obviousness: "Will you be at the party?" "Of course!"
So, whether charting a journey, pursuing knowledge, enjoying a meal, or simply acknowledging something obvious, "course" describes progression, direction, and defined stages.
Examples
- 1
Education
She’s taking a course in business English this summer.
- 2
Workplace training
The company offers a short training course for new managers.
- 3
Medical treatment
The doctor put him on a course of antibiotics.
- Domaina course of antibiotics
the full set of medicine taken over several days
- 4
River direction
The river changes course after it passes the village.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Navigation
Because of the storm, the ship had to change course.
- 6
Time period
Over the course of the year, her confidence grew.
- Patternover the course of + time period
during that time
- 7
Restaurant meal
We had a three-course meal at a small Italian restaurant.
- Phrasea three-course meal
a meal with three separate parts
- 8
Certainty
Of course I remember your birthday.
- Phraseof course
certainly; it is obvious or expected
- 9
Natural ending
He was angry at first, but the problem soon ran its course.
- Phraserun its course
continue naturally until it ends
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- take a course
- teach a course
- online course
- course in history
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- coursenounverbadverb
Forms
- coursespluralnounverbadverb
- coursing-ing formverbnounadverb
- coursedpast tenseverbnounadverb