noun
course
kaws
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."
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."
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."
verb
1
To flow or move quickly, especially of liquid.
"Tears coursed down her cheeks."
"Adrenaline coursed through his veins as the race began."
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
Word Forms
coursed past tense, courses plural, courses singular
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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."