plan

play

noun \ˈplan\

Simple Definition of plan

: a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something
: something that a person intends to do
: a detailed agreement for telephone service, medical care, insurance, etc.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of plan

1 : a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a : a top or horizontal view of an object b : a large-scale map of a small area
2 a : a method for achieving an end b : an often customary method of doing something : procedure c : a detailed formulation of a program of action d : goal, aim
3 : an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
4 : a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service) <pension plan>

planless

play \-ləs\ adjective

planlessly

adverb

planlessness

noun

See plan defined for English-language learners

See plan defined for kids

Examples of plan in a sentence

the army's plan of attack
We need to agree on a plan of action.
Our plan was to have the guests park on the street, not the lawn.
When we met them at the restaurant, they said there had been a change of plan.
He changed his long-distance plan.

Origin and Etymology of plan

French, plane, foundation, ground plan; partly from Latin planum level ground, from neuter of planus level; partly from French planter to plant, fix in place, from Late Latin plantare — more at floor, plant

First Known Use: 1706

Synonym Discussion of plan

plan, design, plot, scheme, project mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end. plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation <plans for a house>. design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony <a design for a new dress>. plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions <the plot of the play>. scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest <a scheme to defraud the government>. project often stresses imaginative scope and vision <a project to develop the waterfront>.

plan

verb

Simple Definition of plan

: to think about and arrange the parts or details of (something) before it happens or is made
: to intend or expect to do (something)
: to expect something to happen

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of plan

planned

planning

transitive verb
1 : to arrange the parts of : design <plan a new layout>
2 : to devise or project the realization or achievement of <planned their escape>
3 : to have in mind : intend <plans to leave soon>
intransitive verb
1 : to make plans <plan ahead>
2 : to have a specified intention —used with on <plans on going>

planner

noun

See plan defined for English-language learners

Examples of plan in a sentence

We are busy planning the party.
The prisoners spent months planning their escape.
a teacher planning her next lesson
The students are planning a protest.
We have something very special planned for your birthday.
Their wedding is planned for June.
a planned series of books about cars
Things don't always go as planned.
Always remember to plan ahead.

1728

First Known Use of plan

1728

plan-

combining form

Definition of plan-

1 : flat <planography>
2 : flat and <plano-concave>

Variants of plan-

plano-

Origin and Etymology of plan-

Latin planus

PLAN Defined for Kids

plan

play

noun \ˈplan\

Definition of plan for Students

1 : a method or scheme of acting, doing, or arranging <vacation plans> <They were nervous because … their plan was indeed a risky one. — Lemony Snicket, The Austere Academy>
2 : a drawing or diagram showing the parts or outline of something

plan

play

verb

Definition of plan for Students

planned

planning

1 : to form a diagram of or for : arrange the parts or details of ahead of time <plan a bridge> <plan a picnic>
2 : to have in mind : intend <What are you planning to do with the leftovers?>

Law Dictionary

plan

noun

Legal Definition of plan

1 : a diagram of an area of land (as a subdivision) filed in the registry of deeds — see also plot plan
2 : a detailed program; especially : one made under chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code that places future earnings under the control of a trustee, provides for the payment of creditors, and is subject to approval by the creditors