# course /ˈkɔɹs/ (US) · /kˈɔːs/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/course Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. education noun · CEFR A1 a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject. For teachers: a complete series of studies or lectures on a specific subject, typically leading to a qualification. - She is taking a photography course at the local college this summer. - The university offers an intensive postgraduate course designed to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and applied engineering. ### 2. direction or path noun · CEFR B1 the direction or route that a ship, plane, or person follows. For teachers: the intended or actual direction of travel or movement, often in a navigational context. - The pilot had to change course to avoid the storm clouds ahead. - The vessel maintained a steady northerly course despite the increasing resistance from the prevailing currents. ### 3. part of a meal noun · CEFR A2 one of the separate parts of a meal, like a starter or a dessert. For teachers: any of the distinct stages of a meal served as a unit. - We had a three-course dinner starting with a delicious vegetable soup. - The chef prepared a seven-course tasting menu that showcased seasonal ingredients from the surrounding valley. ### 4. sports area noun · CEFR B1 an area of land or water where a race or a game happens. For teachers: a designated area of land or water prepared for racing or for games such as golf. - The local golf course is famous for its difficult water hazards. - The marathon course winds through the historic centre before finishing in the main stadium. ### 5. sequence of events noun · CEFR B2 the way something happens or develops over time. For teachers: the natural development or sequence of events over a period of time. - In the course of the week, we realised the plan would not work. - The doctor explained that the illness would simply have to run its course before the patient felt better. ### 6. medical treatment noun · CEFR B1 a set amount of medicine or treatment that you must finish. For teachers: a systematic series of medical treatments or a prescribed period of medication. - You must finish the whole course of antibiotics even if you feel better. - The patient responded well to the initial course of chemotherapy, showing significant reduction in inflammation. ### 7. to flow verb · CEFR C1 · Literary to flow quickly or move in a strong stream. For teachers: to move or flow rapidly, typically used in relation to liquids or emotions. - Tears started to course down her cheeks as she read the letter. - Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he stepped onto the stage to address the waiting crowd. ### 8. naturally or obviously adverb · CEFR B1 · Informal a short way of saying 'of course'. For teachers: an elliptical form of 'of course', used to indicate agreement or obviousness. - Course I'll help you move house this weekend. - Course, we could always try the other route if the main road is still blocked by the landslide. ### 9. layer of bricks noun · CEFR C2 · Technical a single horizontal row of bricks or stones in a wall. For teachers: a continuous horizontal layer of bricks, stones, or other building material in a wall. - The builder laid the final course of bricks before the rain started. - The architect specified a damp-proof course to be installed above the foundation to prevent moisture from rising through the masonry. ## Examples - I am taking a French course this summer. - The university offers a comprehensive course in digital marketing that includes a three-month internship. - 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. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.