schedule
SHEHD-zhool
Schedule (noun) means a plan that lists when a set of tasks or events will happen. Example: “The train schedule shows departures every twenty minutes.”
noun
1
A plan that lists when a set of tasks or events will happen.
"The train schedule shows departures every twenty minutes."
"I checked my schedule before agreeing to the meeting."
"The teacher pinned a revision schedule to the classroom wall for the whole term."
2
A table or list attached to a document, such as a contract or law, giving extra details.
"The rental terms are set out in Schedule 2 of the lease."
"The list of fees is in a schedule at the back of the agreement."
"A schedule attached to the act lists the species that are protected."
verb
1
To plan something for a particular date or time.
"Let's schedule the interview for next Tuesday morning."
"The airline scheduled an extra flight for the holiday rush."
"The council has scheduled the road repairs for the early hours of Sunday."
How to use schedule
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plan of when things will happen, or to set that plan up.
UK vs US
British English usually says "SHED-yool"; American English usually says "SKED-yool".
Common pairings
tight schedule
ahead of schedule
schedule a meeting
behind schedule
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Word forms
- Plural
- schedules
- Third person singular
- schedules
- Past tense
- scheduled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The train _____ shows departures every twenty minutes.
Etymology
From Old French cedule, from Late Latin schedula ("strip of paper"), from Greek skhedē ("papyrus leaf"). The modern "sk"-like pronunciation in American English came later, influenced by the spelling.
Related words
Rhymes for schedule
See all rhymes for schedule →Frequently asked questions
What does “schedule” mean?
The word “schedule” means a plan that lists when a set of tasks or events will happen. In plain terms, a plan of when things will happen, or to set that plan up.
How do you pronounce “schedule”?
“Schedule” is pronounced SHEHD-zhool (/ˈskɛd͡ʒ.ʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “schedule” in a sentence?
Here is “schedule” used in a sentence: “The train schedule shows departures every twenty minutes.”
What part of speech is “schedule”?
Depending on how it is used, “schedule” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “schedule” come from?
The word “schedule” comes from Late Latin. From Old French cedule, from Late Latin schedula ("strip of paper"), from Greek skhedē ("papyrus leaf"). The modern "sk"-like pronunciation in American English came later, influenced by the spelling.
Is “schedule” a common word?
“Schedule” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “schedule” have?
“Schedule” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plan that lists when a set of tasks or events will happen.
What is the difference between a schedule and a timetable?
The two overlap. A timetable is a fixed grid showing set times, like train departures or school lessons. A schedule is a broader plan listing when tasks or events will happen, which may or may not be tied to exact clock times. In American English, schedule often covers both.
How do you pronounce schedule?
There are two accepted pronunciations. British speakers usually say "SHED-yool," while American speakers say "SKED-yool." Both refer to the same thing, a plan of when things will happen, and neither is wrong; the difference is simply regional and a matter of accent.
What is the difference between a schedule and an agenda?
A schedule lays out when tasks or events will occur, often across days or weeks. An agenda is the list of items to be covered in a single meeting or session. A schedule answers "when," while an agenda answers "what will we discuss." The two are often used together.
What are the different types of schedules?
Common kinds include work or shift schedules, class timetables, project schedules with deadlines, train and bus schedules, and personal daily planners. Each lists when a set of tasks or events is meant to happen, whether for one person, a team, or a whole service.
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