courses: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A2 (for noun senses 1 and 3); B1/B2 (for extended senses).Neutral to formal, depending on sense. Educational sense (A2) is neutral. Metaphorical sense of 'course of events' (B2) is more formal.
Quick answer
What does “courses” mean?
A series of classes or lectures on a particular subject, typically leading to a qualification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A series of classes or lectures on a particular subject, typically leading to a qualification.
1. A direction or route taken, especially in movement or development. 2. The flow or passage of a fluid. 3. A part of a meal served separately. 4. A continuous horizontal layer of brick, stone, etc., in a building.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
1. In education, 'course' (UK) often means a whole degree program ('a three-year course'), while in US English, 'course' typically refers to an individual class/unit and 'program' or 'major' is used for the whole degree. 2. In dining, 'main course' is standard in both, but UK English may also use 'main' informally.
Connotations
The educational sense has stronger institutional connotations in UK English (implying a structured, lengthy program).
Frequency
The educational sense is extremely high-frequency in both. The 'route/path' sense ('course of a river') is more common in written/geographical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “courses” in a Sentence
take/do/enrol on a course (in/on something)offer/run a coursea course leads to (a qualification)the course of (history/events)course through (veins)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “courses” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Tears coursed down her cheeks.
- The blood coursed through his veins.
American English
- Adrenaline coursed through her body.
- Water coursed down the gutter after the storm.
adverb
British English
- N/A ('Course' is not used as a standalone adverb. 'Of course' is an adverbial phrase.)
American English
- N/A ('Course' is not used as a standalone adverb. 'Of course' is an adverbial phrase.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'coarse', a different word).
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'coarse', a different word).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to training programs, development paths, or strategic direction ('management courses', 'course of business').
Academic
Primary meaning: structured units of study. Also used in phrases like 'course of study', 'coursework'.
Everyday
Commonly refers to classes, the main part of a meal, or the idiom 'of course'.
Technical
In medicine: 'course of antibiotics'. In construction: 'a course of bricks'. In navigation: 'set a course'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “courses”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “courses”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “courses”
- Using 'courses' as an uncountable noun (*'I study course'). Correct: 'I am taking a course' or 'I am doing a course'. Confusing 'coarse' (rough) with 'course'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always. It is countable in its main meanings (educational, route, meal part). The exception is in the fixed phrase 'of course'.
A 'course' is a series of classes on a subject over time (e.g., a 12-week Spanish course). A 'class' is a single meeting or lesson within that course (e.g., Tuesday's Spanish class).
It is a literary verb meaning 'to flow or run swiftly'. It is often used for liquids (water, tears, blood) and emotions. Example: 'A river of molten lava coursed down the mountainside.'
In context, yes (e.g., 'What's for the course?'). But 'main course' is the full, clear term. Saying 'the fish course' specifies which part of the meal.
A series of classes or lectures on a particular subject, typically leading to a qualification.
Courses is usually neutral to formal, depending on sense. educational sense (a2) is neutral. metaphorical sense of 'course of events' (b2) is more formal. in register.
Courses: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “of course”
- “in due course”
- “run/take its course”
- “on course for (something)”
- “stay the course”
- “change course”
- “crash course”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GOLF COURSE. You follow a set PATH (course) from hole to hole, just like you follow a set series of CLASSES (course) from start to finish.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENTS ARE A JOURNEY ALONG A PATH/COURSE (e.g., 'course of history', 'change course'). EDUCATION IS A PATH/ROUTE (e.g., 'course of study').
Practice
Quiz
In UK academic context, 'I'm in the final year of my course' most likely means: