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Definition of course

course

/kɔːrs/
course

Plural:courses
•
Past Simple:coursed
•
Past Participle:coursed
•
Present Participle:coursing
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course Lexical Profile

course Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A series of lectures, lessons, or classes in a particular academic or vocational subject, typically leading to a qualification or credit.

Example

"She enrolled in an introductory course on modern European history at the university."


2

The route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river.

Example

"The captain altered the ship's course to avoid the approaching tropical storm."


3

The way in which something progresses or develops over time, or a chosen procedure for dealing with a situation.

Example

"The committee decided that the safest course of action was to postpone the festival."


4

A dish, or a set of dishes served together, forming one of the successive parts of a meal.

Example

"For the main course, the chef prepared roasted salmon with seasonal vegetables."


5

An area of land or water prepared and marked out for a race or sport, such as golf or horse racing.

Example

"The golfers arrived early to walk the eighteen-hole course before the tournament began."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To flow or move swiftly and without obstruction (especially of liquid, blood, or intense feelings).

Example

"Adrenaline coursed through her veins as she stepped onto the stage to deliver the keynote address."


2

To pursue game, especially hares, with hounds that follow by sight rather than by scent.

Example

"In medieval times, the nobility frequently used greyhounds to course hares across open fields."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently confused with the homophone 'coarse', which is an adjective meaning rough in texture or crude in manner.

• Rhymes for course

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French cours, from Latin cursus ('a running, race, or path'), derived from the verb currere ('to run').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Course. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/course
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