Definition of course
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: the act or action of moving in a path from point to point
the planets in their courses
2
: the path over which something moves or extends: such as
a
: racecourse
b(1)
: the direction of travel of a vehicle (such as a ship or airplane) usually measured as a clockwise angle from north
also
: the projected path of travel
(2)
: a point of the compass
c
: watercourse
d
: golf course
3a
: accustomed procedure or normal action
the law taking its course
b
: a chosen manner of conducting oneself : way of acting
Our wisest course is to retreat.
c(1)
: progression through a development or period or a series of acts or events
the course of history
(2)
: life history, career
4
: an ordered process or succession: such as
a
: a number of lectures or other matter dealing with a subject
took a course in zoology
also
: a series of such courses constituting a curriculum
a premed course
b
: a series of doses or medications administered over a designated period
5a
: a part of a meal served at one time
the main course
c
: the lowest sail on a square-rigged mast
in due course
of course
: after a normal passage of time : in the expected or allotted time
His discoveries led in due course to new forms of treatment.
1
: following the ordinary way or procedure
will be done as a matter of course
2
: as might be expected
Of course we will go.
course
verb
coursed; coursing
Definition of course (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to follow close upon : pursue
2a
: to hunt or pursue (game) with hounds
b
: to cause (dogs) to run (as after game)
3
: to run or move swiftly through or over : traverse
Jets coursed the area daily.
: to run or pass rapidly along or as if along an indicated path
blood coursing through the veins
Buying Guide
Check out the best educational products selected by our Reviews team.
Test Your Vocabulary
Words Named After People
-
- Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share course
Time Traveler for course
The first known use of course was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century