plan
plan
Plan (noun) means a set of intended actions worked out in advance to achieve a goal. Example: “They came up with a plan to pay off their debt within two years.”
noun
1
A set of intended actions worked out in advance to achieve a goal.
"They came up with a plan to pay off their debt within two years."
"Our vacation plan fell apart when the flight got canceled."
"If the weather turns bad, we have a backup plan for the picnic."
2
A detailed drawing showing the layout of a building or structure, usually as seen from above.
"The architect showed us the plans for the new extension."
"The builder unrolled the plan on the table and pointed to the new kitchen."
"According to the floor plan, the bathroom is at the end of the hall."
verb
1
To think out and arrange actions in advance.
"They're planning a surprise party for her birthday."
"We need to plan our route before we set off."
"I always plan my week on Sunday evening so Monday feels easier."
How to use plan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA worked-out set of steps to reach a goal, or a diagram showing how something is laid out.
Common pairings
make a plan
plan ahead
according to plan
backup plan
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Word forms
- Plural
- plans
- Third person singular
- plans
- Past tense
- planned
Fill the gap
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They came up with a _____ to pay off their debt within two years.
Etymology
From French plan, "flat surface, ground plot," from Latin planus, "flat" — related to "plane" and "plain."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for plan
See all rhymes for plan →Frequently asked questions
What does “plan” mean?
The word “plan” means a set of intended actions worked out in advance to achieve a goal. In plain terms, a worked-out set of steps to reach a goal, or a diagram showing how something is laid out.
How do you pronounce “plan”?
“Plan” is pronounced plan (/plæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “plan” in a sentence?
Here is “plan” used in a sentence: “They came up with a plan to pay off their debt within two years.”
What is another word for “plan”?
Words with a similar meaning to “plan” include blueprint.
What part of speech is “plan”?
Depending on how it is used, “plan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “plan” come from?
The word “plan” comes from Latin. From French plan, "flat surface, ground plot," from Latin planus, "flat" — related to "plane" and "plain.".
Is “plan” a common word?
“Plan” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “plan” have?
“Plan” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a set of intended actions worked out in advance to achieve a goal.
What is the difference between a plan and a goal?
A goal is the result you want to reach; a plan is the set of steps you work out in advance to get there. The goal is the destination, the plan is the route. You can hold a goal without a plan, but a plan only makes sense once a goal exists to aim at.
What are the main types of plans?
Plans come in many forms depending on scope and purpose. Common ones include business plans, financial or budget plans, strategic and action plans, lesson plans, project plans, and everyday to-do plans. Architects and designers also use 'plan' for a scale drawing seen from directly above, such as a floor plan.
What is an example of a plan?
A weekend trip is a simple example: you decide the destination, book transport and a hotel, list what to pack, and set times to leave and return. Each of those intended, ordered actions, worked out ahead of the trip rather than on the day, together forms the plan.
Why is having a plan important?
A plan turns a vague intention into concrete, ordered steps, so you know what to do next and can spot problems before they arise. It helps you use time and resources well, coordinate with other people, and measure progress along the way. Without one, effort is easily wasted, duplicated, or misdirected.
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