noun
Common
module
MOD-yool
Module (noun) means a self-contained, often interchangeable part of a larger system. Example: “The new phone has a camera module that can be replaced if it breaks.”
noun
1
A self-contained, often interchangeable part of a larger system.
"The new phone has a camera module that can be replaced if it breaks."
"Each module of the course covers a different topic."
"The software is built from separate modules that can be updated independently."
2
An independent, self-contained section of a spacecraft.
"The crew slept in a living module attached to the main part of the spacecraft."
"Engineers tested the landing module before the mission began."
"The astronauts docked with the space station's new module."
How to use module
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA self-contained piece or unit of a larger system — used for software, education, spacecraft, and more.
Common pairings
training module
software module
lunar module
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Word forms
- Plural
- modules
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The new phone has a camera _____ that can be replaced if it breaks.
Etymology
Borrowed from French module, from Latin modulus ("a small measure"), a diminutive of modus ("measure") — the same root as "mode" and "model."
Related words
Rhymes for module
See all rhymes for module →Frequently asked questions
What does “module” mean?
The word “module” means a self-contained, often interchangeable part of a larger system. In plain terms, a self-contained piece or unit of a larger system — used for software, education, spacecraft, and more.
How do you pronounce “module”?
“Module” is pronounced MOD-yool (/ˈmɑd͡ʒul/ in IPA).
How do you use “module” in a sentence?
Here is “module” used in a sentence: “Each module of the course covers a different topic.”
What part of speech is “module”?
“Module” is a noun.
Where does the word “module” come from?
The word “module” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French module, from Latin modulus ("a small measure"), a diminutive of modus ("measure") — the same root as "mode" and "model.".
Is “module” a common word?
“Module” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “module” have?
“Module” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a self-contained, often interchangeable part of a larger system.
What is the difference between a module and a component?
A component is any individual part of a system, while a module is a self-contained, often interchangeable unit that groups related parts and functions together. Modules are designed to work independently and can usually be swapped or reused within a larger system.
What is a module in a spacecraft?
In spaceflight, a module is an independent, self-contained section of a spacecraft, such as a command module or lunar module. Each module performs specific functions and can sometimes separate from or dock with the rest of the craft.
What is a modular system?
A modular system is one built from separate modules—self-contained, interchangeable parts—that can be combined, replaced, or rearranged. This design makes systems easier to build, upgrade, and repair, because a single module can be changed without affecting the whole.
What is a module in software?
In software, a module is a self-contained section of code that performs a specific function and can be reused or combined with other modules to build a larger program. This reflects the general sense of a module as an interchangeable part of a larger system.
