plural projects
1
: a planned piece of work that has a specific purpose (such as to find information or to make something new) and that usually requires a lot of time
an ambitious project
a research/construction project
The repair turned out to be quite a project. [=it took a lot of time and effort to do]
2
: a task or problem in school that requires careful work over a long period of time
a science project
3
US
: housing project
—usually plural
They grew up in the projects.
projects; projected; projecting
1
: to plan, calculate, or estimate (something) for a time in the future
He projected next year's costs as being slightly higher than this year's.
It's difficult to project funding needs so far into the future.
—often used as (be) projectedThe new building is projected to be finished in the fall.
The actual cost was much higher than the projected cost.
What is the projected [=expected] date of completion?
2
: to cause (light, a picture, a movie, etc.) to appear on a surface
—often + on or onto
The machine projects motion pictures on/onto a screen.
3
: to have or show (a particular quality, image, etc., that can be seen by other people)
He projects strength.
an athlete who projects a positive image to young people
We need an actor who projects a tough-guy image.
He tried to project himself as a strong leader. [=to act in a way that would make people see him as a strong leader]
4
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to stick out beyond an edge or surface
Two balconies projected [=extended] out over the seats below.
5
: to send or throw (something) forward, upward, or outward
The fountain projects a slender column of water high into the air.
You need to project your voice better if you want to be an actor. [=you need to speak louder and more clearly if you want to be an actor]
—often used figurativelyThe success of his first movie suddenly projected [=threw] him into an unfamiliar world of wealth and fame.
Cite this Entry
“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/project. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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