ENGLISH
REFERENCE

course

n. · v. · adv.
US //ˈkɔɹs// UK //kˈɔːs// course
  1. 1 education (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject.

    a complete series of studies or lectures on a specific subject, typically leading to a qualification.

    Example

    She is taking a photography course at the local college this summer.

    Example

    The university offers an intensive postgraduate course designed to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and applied engineering.
  2. 2 direction or path (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Nautical

    the direction or route that a ship, plane, or person follows.

    the intended or actual direction of travel or movement, often in a navigational context.

    Example

    The pilot had to change course to avoid the storm clouds ahead.

    Example

    The vessel maintained a steady northerly course despite the increasing resistance from the prevailing currents.
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  1. 3 part of a meal (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    one of the separate parts of a meal, like a starter or a dessert.

    any of the distinct stages of a meal served as a unit.

    Example

    We had a three-course dinner starting with a delicious vegetable soup.

    Example

    The chef prepared a seven-course tasting menu that showcased seasonal ingredients from the surrounding valley.
  2. 4 sports area (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    an area of land or water where a race or a game happens.

    a designated area of land or water prepared for racing or for games such as golf.

    Example

    The local golf course is famous for its difficult water hazards.

    Example

    The marathon course winds through the historic centre before finishing in the main stadium.
  3. 5 sequence of events (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way something happens or develops over time.

    the natural development or sequence of events over a period of time.

    Example

    In the course of the week, we realised the plan would not work.

    Example

    The doctor explained that the illness would simply have to run its course before the patient felt better.
  4. 6 medical treatment (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    a set amount of medicine or treatment that you must finish.

    a systematic series of medical treatments or a prescribed period of medication.

    Example

    You must finish the whole course of antibiotics even if you feel better.

    Example

    The patient responded well to the initial course of chemotherapy, showing significant reduction in inflammation.
  5. 7 to flow (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to flow quickly or move in a strong stream.

    to move or flow rapidly, typically used in relation to liquids or emotions.

    Example

    Tears started to course down her cheeks as she read the letter.

    Example

    Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he stepped onto the stage to address the waiting crowd.
  6. 8 naturally or obviously (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a short way of saying 'of course'.

    an elliptical form of 'of course', used to indicate agreement or obviousness.

    Example

    Course I'll help you move house this weekend.

    Example

    Course, we could always try the other route if the main road is still blocked by the landslide.
  7. 9 layer of bricks (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a single horizontal row of bricks or stones in a wall.

    a continuous horizontal layer of bricks, stones, or other building material in a wall.

    Example

    The builder laid the final course of bricks before the rain started.

    Example

    The architect specified a damp-proof course to be installed above the foundation to prevent moisture from rising through the masonry.
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.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

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