ENGLISH
REFERENCE

course

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈkɔɹs// UK //kˈɔːs// course Archaic General-service Humorous Informal

n. a series of lessons or a plan of study on a specific subject. It can also mean one part of a meal, like a starter or a dessert.

n. a complete series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject; alternatively, one of the separate parts of a multi-part meal.


SIMPLE

I am taking a French course this summer.

CONTEXTUAL

The university offers a comprehensive course in digital marketing that includes a three-month internship.

COMPLEX

While the main course featured a perfectly seared duck breast, it was the delicate citrus tart served for dessert that truly defined the evening's menu.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English cours, from Old French cours, from Latin cursus (“course of a race”), from currō (“run”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ḱers- (“to run”). Doublet of cursus and cour.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'take', 'do', or 'enrol in' when referring to education.

Pitfall

I am making a course of EnglishI am taking an English courseLearners often use 'make' or 'do' incorrectly; 'take' or 'enrol in' are the standard collocations for educational programs.

Idioms7 entries

© 2026 English Reference