course
course — verb
1. to move at high speed through or across something, especially used for liquids s
to move at high speed through or across something, especially used for liquids such as blood, water, or tears.
Tears began to course down Anong's cheeks as she listened to the sad story.
course down [surface] — path of a liquid
Blood coursed through Rafael's veins as he pushed his body toward the finish line.
The cool water from the melting snow courses along the narrow mountain stream.
course along [path] — describing a waterway
A strange feeling of fear coursed through Dahlia's body when she heard the noise.
course through [person] — metaphorical use for emotions
Electricity courses along the copper wires the moment the switch is turned on.
- course through veins
- course down cheeks
- course along a path
- course through the body
- blood courses
- tears course
- water courses
- flow
more general; 'flow' can be slow or fast, while 'course' specifically suggests speed and force
- rush
similar speed but 'rush' emphasises urgency or haste, not just physical movement
- stream
suggests a continuous, narrow flow; 'stream' is more common in everyday language
- surge
implies a sudden powerful burst, while 'course' can be steady
Grammar Patterns
course + through/along/down + [place or body part]
course + prepositional phrase
Usage Note
Frequently used in literary or descriptive writing. The subject is most often a liquid (blood, tears, water), but can also be an abstract force such as fear, rage, or electricity. The verb rarely appears without a following prepositional phrase that indicates the path of movement.
Common Mistakes
2. to chase small wild animals such as hares or rabbits using trained dogs, a tradi
to chase small wild animals such as hares or rabbits using trained dogs, a traditional country practice that often involves riders on horseback following the dogs.
The landowners used to course rabbits across the open fields every autumn morning.
course + [animal] + across/over + [terrain]
A group of riders coursed the fox through the thick forest until it escaped into a hidden den.
In some rural areas, families still course hares with specially trained dogs.
The old estate has a tradition of coursing deer that goes back more than two hundred years.
passive gerund: coursing + [animal] — traditional practice
- course hares
- course rabbits
- course foxes
- course with hounds
- course over open ground
Grammar Patterns
course + [animal being hunted]
course + [animal] + through/over + [terrain]
Usage Note
A specialised term from traditional field sports. The object of the verb is always the animal being chased, never the dogs. This sense is now rare in everyday conversation and appears mostly in historical writing or discussions of country sports.
Common Mistakes
course — noun
1. a planned set of learning sessions that focus on one topic and are meant to give
a planned set of learning sessions that focus on one topic and are meant to give you a certificate or a new skill when you finish.
Joon is taking a two-year course in graphic design at the local college.
course in [subject] — introduces the subject area
The online photography course now has over three thousand students enrolled.
After completing the course, Ezra received a certificate in business management.
complete a course + receive a certificate
Gita signed up for a first-aid course offered by the Red Cross last month.
This course covers the basics of web development, from HTML to JavaScript.
course covers [topic] — topic content pattern
- take a course
- course in [subject]
- enrol on a course
- complete a course
- course material
Usage Note
Frequently followed by 'in' or 'on' to indicate the subject area: a course in history, a course on web design.
Common Mistakes
2. a specially prepared outdoor space, on the ground or on a stretch of water, buil
a specially prepared outdoor space, on the ground or on a stretch of water, built for people to play a sport like golf or to hold races.
The golf course near the beach has eighteen holes and a small clubhouse.
compound: golf course
Esteban ran his fastest time on the new race course at the sports centre.
compound: race course
The sailing course on the lake is closed today because of strong winds.
Apinya works at the golf course, where she helps visitors find their way around.
- golf course
- race course
- obstacle course
- course record
- on the course
Usage Note
Often appears as part of a compound noun: golf course, race course, obstacle course, ski course.
Common Mistakes
3. the way something naturally develops, changes, or progresses over time — used es
the way something naturally develops, changes, or progresses over time — used especially for describing how events, situations, or processes unfold from one stage to the next.
The course of the river changed after the heavy rains last spring.
course of a river — natural movement
The captain adjusted the ship's course to avoid the storm up ahead.
adjust/set a ship's course
Nobody could predict the course the meeting would take after the argument.
The doctors agreed on a new course of treatment when the first one failed.
course of treatment — fixed phrase
Élise chose a different course of action after listening to her team's advice.
- course of action
- course of events
- course of treatment
- change course
- set a course
Usage Note
Common in fixed phrases such as 'course of action' (what you decide to do), 'course of events' (how things develop), and 'course of treatment' (a medical plan). For physical direction, used mainly with ships, aircraft, and rivers — not with road vehicles.
Common Mistakes
4. happening or developing gradually as time passes, especially in a natural or exp
happening or developing gradually as time passes, especially in a natural or expected way.
Ilan's confidence grew steadily over the course of the six-month training programme.
over the course of [period] — gradual change
In the course of the discussion, several useful new ideas came up.
The old bridge was repaired in the course of a single weekend.
Over the course of several weeks, the garden slowly began to bloom.
over the course of several weeks — time period pattern
In the course of his long career, Hamza worked in five different countries.
- in the course of
- over the course of
- in the course of time
- over the course of [period]
Usage Note
Nearly always used in the fixed patterns 'in the course of' or 'over the course of', followed by a noun phrase referring to a period of time or an event.
Common Mistakes
5. the physical path that a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle follows as it travels
the physical path that a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle follows as it travels from one place to another — used especially when this direction is adjusted or changed.
The captain ordered a change of course to avoid the approaching storm.
change course — set a new direction
Radar showed the aircraft had suddenly changed course during the night.
The ship stayed on its original course despite the rough weather.
After checking the wind direction, Sora set a new course toward the harbour.
collocation: set a course
A small error in the navigation system pushed the vessel off its planned course.
- change course
- set a course
- stay on course
- original course
- planned course
Usage Note
Frequently used in the fixed phrase 'change course.' The subject is typically a ship, plane, or spacecraft.
6. The general direction in which an organization, project, or plan is developing —
The general direction in which an organization, project, or plan is developing — used when that direction is altered to a new way of doing things.
The company changed course after realising its original plan was too expensive.
figurative: change course — adopt a new strategy
When the first marketing method failed, the team changed course and tried something different.
The government changed course on its education policy after parents complained.
Gabriel decided to change course and study engineering instead of art.
The charity had to change course when its main donor withdrew funding.
- change course
- alter course
- shift course
Usage Note
Figurative extension of sense 7. The subject is usually an organization, project, plan, or person's career path rather than a vehicle.
Common Mistakes
7. Following the correct path or developing in the expected way, so that success or
Following the correct path or developing in the expected way, so that success or the intended result is probable — used in the fixed phrase 'on course.'
The project is on course to be finished before the summer deadline.
on course to + infinitive
The patient is on course for a full recovery after the surgery.
on course for + noun phrase
With strong exam results, Gabriela is on course to enter her first-choice university.
Despite a few problems, the peace talks remain on course.
Sales this quarter are on course to exceed last year's numbers.
- on course to
- on course for
- remain on course
- stay on course
- on track
more informal; interchangeable in most contexts
- on schedule
specifically about timing rather than general progress
- off course
the direct antonym; indicates failure to follow the intended path
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'on course.' Commonly followed by 'to + infinitive' to state the expected result, or 'for + noun' to name the goal.
8. In a position of not following the planned direction or correct path, so that th
In a position of not following the planned direction or correct path, so that the intended result or goal is unlikely — used in the fixed phrase 'off course.'
The ship was blown off course by the unexpected storm.
off course — not following the planned route
The negotiations went off course when neither side would compromise.
figurative: off course — not proceeding as planned
Without clear instructions, the whole project drifted off course.
The plane was off course by nearly a hundred miles before the pilot corrected it.
Padma felt her career went off course after taking a year away from work.
- go off course
- drift off course
- blow off course
- throw off course
- on course
the direct antonym; indicates correct progression toward a goal
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'off course.' Common verbs preceding it are 'go,' 'drift,' 'blow,' and 'throw.' Can be used literally (vehicles) or figuratively (projects, plans, careers).
9. Each separate portion of food that is served as one stage within a full meal — f
Each separate portion of food that is served as one stage within a full meal — for example, a starter, a main dish, and a dessert.
For the main course, Mauricio ordered grilled fish with vegetables.
main course — the largest part of a meal
A traditional three-course dinner includes a starter, a main dish, and a dessert.
three-course dinner — structure of a meal
The first course was a light soup served with warm bread.
Iris chose the cheese plate for the final course of the meal.
The wedding banquet had five courses, each paired with a different wine.
- main course
- first course
- three-course meal
- starter course
- dessert course
Usage Note
Often preceded by an adjective specifying the position in the sequence: 'first course,' 'main course,' 'final course.' Countable: a two-course meal, a three-course dinner.
Common Mistakes
10. A planned series of medical procedures, doses of a drug, or therapy visits that
A planned series of medical procedures, doses of a drug, or therapy visits that happen at regular intervals.
The doctor prescribed a ten-day course of antibiotics for the infection.
course of [medicine] — a fixed period of taking a drug
Élise completed a full course of chemotherapy at the hospital last spring.
Patients often feel better after the first course but may need a second one.
Adisa was given a short course of injections before travelling to the tropical region.
Finish the entire course of medicine even if you start feeling well.
- course of antibiotics
- course of chemotherapy
- course of injections
- course of pills
- complete a course
- prescribe a course
Usage Note
Commonly followed by 'of + [treatment type]', e.g. 'course of antibiotics,' 'course of chemotherapy.' Frequently used with the verbs 'complete,' 'finish,' 'prescribe,' and 'undergo.'
Common Mistakes
11. one level of bricks, stones, or blocks placed in a straight line across a wall f
one level of bricks, stones, or blocks placed in a straight line across a wall from one side to the other, with each row resting on the one below.
Tariq checked that every course of bricks was perfectly level.
The wall had a decorative course of darker stones across its centre.
course of [material]
After laying each course, Nikhil tapped the bricks gently into place.
The bottom course of the wall was built with limestone blocks for strength.
adjective + course: bottom / top / decorative
Minho noticed the top course of the chimney had shifted out of line.
- course of bricks
- course of stone
- bottom course
- top course
- decorative course
- brick course
Grammar Patterns
a course of + [material]
adjective + course
Common Mistakes
12. the flow of blood and tissue from the womb that women and girls experience rough
the flow of blood and tissue from the womb that women and girls experience roughly every four weeks as part of the body's natural cycle.
The doctor explained that a monthly course usually lasts three to seven days.
monthly course + duration
Eshe noted the date of her first course in a small calendar notebook.
Some women experience pain at the start of each monthly course.
collocation: at the start of the course
The leaflet describes what happens in the body during a normal monthly course.
Defne's grandmother used to call her monthly course "the monthly visitor."
formal / dated register; synonym: 'period'
- monthly course
- her course
- first course
- period
the standard everyday term in modern English
- menstruation
the clinical medical term, neutral in register
Grammar Patterns
her monthly course
her course
Usage Note
This sense is formal or dated in modern English; the word 'period' is much more common in everyday conversation. You are most likely to encounter this meaning in older literature, historical texts, or very formal medical writing.
To be in a situation that will almost certainly lead to a disagreement or conflict.
The two managers are on a collision course over the budget cuts.
Our team was on a collision course with the board about the new policy.
To be exactly what you would expect in a particular situation.
Long meetings are par for the course in this company.
Delays are par for the course when traveling during the holidays.
horses for courses
idiomThe idea that different people are suited to different tasks or jobs.
In hiring, it's horses for courses: we need a specialist for this role.
The coach believes in horses for courses, so he picks players based on the opponent.
Going through a particular process or being developed.
The new software is in course of testing by the quality team.
The bridge is in course of construction and will open next year.
During a particular period of time.
In the course of the meeting, several important issues were raised.
Over the course of the week, we visited three different cities.
After enough time has passed; eventually.
In the course of time, the old building became a popular museum.
She believed that in the course of time, he would forgive her.
in due course
idiomAt the appropriate time and not before.
Your application will be processed in due course.
The committee will announce its decision in due course.
As things usually happen; under normal circumstances.
In the normal course of events, the mail arrives by noon.
In the ordinary course of things, she would have called first.
To allow natural processes to happen without trying to control them.
The doctor decided to let nature take its course with the mild infection.
Sometimes it's best to let nature take its course and not intervene.
As a usual and correct part of a process or routine.
The company checks references as a matter of course.
She always thanks the staff as a matter of course.
To choose an acceptable action that avoids extreme positions.
The negotiators tried to steer a middle course between the two demands.
We need to find a middle way that satisfies both sides.
of course
idiomUsed to emphasize that what you are saying is true or correct.
Of course I'll help you with your homework.
Can I borrow your pen? Of course you can.
of course not
idiomUsed to strongly say no to a question or suggestion.
Are you angry with me? Of course not.
Do you mind if I sit here? No, of course not.
Likely to achieve something because you have already started doing it.
The team is on course for a championship this season.
She is on course to graduate with honors next year.
To lie or act in a way that prevents the police or court from finding the truth about a crime.
The witness was accused of trying to pervert the course of justice.
Destroying evidence is a clear attempt to pervert the course of justice.
run/take its course
idiomTo develop naturally and come to a usual end.
The doctor said the cold just needs to run its course.
We decided to let the negotiations take their course.
stay the course
idiomTo continue doing something until it is finished, even if it is difficult.
Despite the challenges, she stayed the course and completed the marathon.
The company stayed the course and eventually became profitable.
Word family
- courseworknounB1
- coursebooknounB1
- racecoursenounB2
- watercoursenounC1
- coursewarenounC1
- coursernounC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
A course is a planned series of lessons or classes on a particular subject, usually lasting several weeks or months and often leading to a certificate or qualification. A 'class' typically refers to a single session or meeting within a course (e.g. 'I have a history class at 10am'), though in American English 'class' can also mean the whole course ('I'm taking a history class'). A 'programme' (BrE) or 'program' (AmE) is a broader, longer plan of study that covers multiple courses — for example, a Master's programme includes several courses over two years. In summary: you take a course, attend individual classes, and enrol in a programme that contains many courses. Example: 'Priya enrolled in a Master's programme in Marketing; this semester she is taking a course in consumer behaviour, and her Monday morning class was cancelled.'
Common collocations
Nouns
- action
- events
- treatment
- study
- history
Adverbs
- naturally
- inevitably
- smoothly
- steadily
Phrases
- change course
- run its course
- set a course for
- stay on course
- go off course
- in the course of
- over the course of
- course of action
Prepositions
- of
- through
- down
- toward
- off
- on
Etymology
Course entered English from Old French 'cours', which came from Latin 'cursus' meaning 'a running' — derived from the verb 'currere' (to run). The earliest English senses (13th century) described forward movement, flow, or the path of a journey. Over time the word extended metaphorically to the path of events (course of action), the sequence of dishes at a meal, a series of lessons, and a layer of bricks — all sharing the idea of a line or progression from one point to the next.