course
kaws
Course (noun) means a structured series of lessons or lectures on a subject, often part of a qualification. Example: “She enrolled in an online course on data science.”
noun
1
A structured series of lessons or lectures on a subject, often part of a qualification.
"She enrolled in an online course on data science."
"He's taking a Spanish course at the community college."
"I finished a cooking course last spring and now bake every weekend."
2
The path or direction that something (like a ship, plane, river, or plan of action) follows.
"The captain adjusted the ship's course to avoid the storm."
"We need to decide on a course of action before the meeting."
"The river changes its course after heavy rain."
3
One of the separate parts of a meal, served one after another.
"The main course was a grilled salmon with vegetables."
"Dessert is usually the final course of a formal dinner."
"For the starter course, we had a simple tomato soup."
verb
1
To flow or move quickly, especially of liquid.
"Tears coursed down her cheeks."
"Adrenaline coursed through his veins as the race began."
"Blood coursed through her legs as she sprinted uphill."
How to use course
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA set path, plan, or sequence — could be a class you take, a route something follows, or a stage of a meal.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "coarse" (rough in texture) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
take a course
change course
in due course
main course
of course
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Word forms
- Plural
- courses
- Third person singular
- courses
- Past tense
- coursed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She enrolled in an online _____ on data science.
Etymology
From Old French cours, from Latin cursus ("a running, a course"), from currere ("to run") — the same root behind "current" and "cursor."
Related words
Rhymes for course
See all rhymes for course →Frequently asked questions
What does “course” mean?
The word “course” means a structured series of lessons or lectures on a subject, often part of a qualification. In plain terms, a set path, plan, or sequence — could be a class you take, a route something follows, or a stage of a meal.
How do you pronounce “course”?
“Course” is pronounced kaws (/kɔɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “course” in a sentence?
Here is “course” used in a sentence: “She enrolled in an online course on data science.”
What part of speech is “course”?
Depending on how it is used, “course” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “course” come from?
The word “course” comes from Latin. From Old French cours, from Latin cursus ("a running, a course"), from currere ("to run") — the same root behind "current" and "cursor.".
Is “course” a common word?
“Course” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “course” have?
“Course” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structured series of lessons or lectures on a subject, often part of a qualification.
What is the difference between 'course' and 'coarse'?
'Course' is a noun meaning a set of lessons, a direction, or a path, as in 'a history course' or 'the course of the river.' 'Coarse' is an adjective meaning rough in texture or manner, as in 'coarse sand' or 'coarse language.' They sound alike but are unrelated in meaning.
What is the difference between a course and a class?
A course is the whole programme of study on a subject, made up of many sessions over weeks or months. A class is usually a single session within that course, or the group of students taking it. In American usage, though, 'course' and 'class' are often used interchangeably.
What are the different types of course?
Courses come in many forms: degree courses, diplomas, and certificates leading to qualifications; short courses and workshops for quick skills; and online, in-person, or blended courses defined by how they are taught. They range from beginner to advanced and from academic subjects to practical trades.
What does 'course' mean outside education?
'Course' has several other senses. It can mean a direction or route, as in 'the ship changed course.' It can mean a part of a meal, as in 'the main course.' And in the phrase 'of course,' it signals something obvious or expected. Context makes the intended meaning clear.
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