module

noun mod·ule \ ˈmä-(ˌ)jül \

|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Definition of module

1 : a standard or unit of measurement

2 : the size of some one part taken as a unit of measure by which the proportions of an architectural composition are regulated

3 a : any in a series of standardized units for use together: such as

(1) : a unit of furniture or architecture

(2) : an educational unit which covers a single subject or topic

b : a usually packaged functional assembly of electronic components for use with other such assemblies

the subwoofer module

4 : an independently operable unit that is a part of the total structure of a space vehicle

5 a : a subset of an additive group that is also a group under addition

b : a mathematical set that is a commutative group under addition and that is closed under multiplication which is distributive from the left or right or both by elements of a ring and for which a(bx) = (ab)x or (xb)a = x(ba) or both where a and b are elements of the ring and x belongs to the set

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Examples of module in a Sentence

factories that build engines, transmissions, brakes, and other modules for cars
a memory module for storing information

Recent Examples of module from the Web

August Smart Lock Pro CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent) The good: Your August Smart Lock Pro purchase includes a DIY smart lock, a Connect Wi-Fi module and a DoorSense open/close sensor _ all for $279.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "CNET: Meet The Smartest Locks On The Block," 30 May 2018
Cenergy Power is seeking special use permit approval to install and operate 7,000 solar modules with a maximum height of 7 feet at its farm land near Routes 126 and 71.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Concerns raised about proposed Yorkville solar farm: 'It is way to close to our residents'," 25 May 2018
The most nuanced modules, however, are the two that take place after a traumatic situation has already occurred.

— rachel stone, The New Republic, "A Video Game That Wants to Stop Sexual Harassment," 15 May 2018
It's often used to power common features on websites like multimedia modules and form submissions.

— lily hay newman, WIRED, "Microsoft's Latest Excel Update Has Security Pros Anxious," 11 May 2018
Cenergy Power is seeking special use permit approval to install and operate 7,000 solar modules with a maximum height of 7 feet at its farmland near Routes 126 and 71.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Solar farm may be built in Yorkville," 27 Apr. 2018
The plan is to eventually use NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion module, but also commercial launch partners to transport the parts of the gateway to lunar orbit as early as 2022, Gerstenmaier said.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "NASA to make orbiting lunar base decision in early 2019," 24 Apr. 2018
Earlier this month, the Indian government announced a 10 percent customs duty on circuitboards, camera modules, connectors, and other parts, The Economic Times reports.

— shannon liao, The Verge, "Apple may start making iPhone 6S Plus in India to slash its prices," 13 Apr. 2018
That pack consists of 432 LG Chem lithium-ion pouch cells, assembled for Jaguar into 36 modules and a single pack by LG in Poland.

— bengt halvorson, Car and Driver, "Preview Drive: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV Keeps It Simple," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'module.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of module

Latin modulus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1628

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

MODULE Defined for English Language Learners

module

noun

Definition of module for English Language Learners

: one of a set of parts that can be connected or combined to build or complete something
: a part of a computer or computer program that does a particular job
: a part of a space vehicle that can work alone