module

module — noun

1. A separate piece or element that belongs to a set of similar pieces, designed to

1.nounB2
Definition

A separate piece or element that belongs to a set of similar pieces, designed to be joined with others to create a larger object, system, or structure.

Example

The bookshelf consists of six identical modules that clip together without any tools.

collocation: identical modules / clip together

Eleni ordered two extra drawer modules for her wardrobe system to hold more shirts.

Common collocations
  • identical modules
  • interchangeable modules
  • shelf module
  • storage module
  • clip together
  • combine modules
  • prefabricated module
Synonyms
  • component

    a broader term for any constituent part, not necessarily designed for combination

  • unit

    emphasises the independence of the part; used interchangeably in many technical contexts

  • segment

    suggests a part divided along natural lines, not necessarily designed for recombination

Antonyms
  • whole

    the complete object or system that the modules form together

Grammar Patterns

module + for/in [system]

combine/join + modules

Usage Note

Often used in plural or in compound nouns describing a modular system (e.g., shelf module, storage module, furniture module).

2. One of several separate units that together form a complete academic course or p

2.nounB1
Definition

One of several separate units that together form a complete academic course or programme, usually taught over a fixed period and assessed independently.

Example

Christopher chose a module on environmental policy for his final semester at university.

collocation: choose a module

Students must pass all six core modules before they can specialize in their second year.

Common collocations
  • core module
  • optional module
  • choose a module
  • complete a module
  • pass a module
  • module leader
  • module handbook
  • module in/on [subject]
Synonyms
  • unit

    more general term; does not always imply formal credit weighting

  • course

    in the US, 'course' is the standard term for what British speakers call a 'module'

  • subject

    refers to the topic area rather than a specific taught block with assessments

Grammar Patterns

module in/on [subject]

choose/take/complete/pass + a module

Usage Note

This sense is especially common in British and Commonwealth education systems. In the US, terms like 'course', 'class', or 'unit' are more frequent for the same concept.

Common Mistakes

I failed the module of mathematics.
I failed the module in mathematics.
use 'in' or 'on' to indicate the subject, not 'of'.
I took a module about Chinese history.
I took a module on Chinese history.
use 'on' rather than 'about' after 'module' in academic contexts.

3. A compartment that forms part of a larger rocket or spaceship and is built to ke

3.nounB2
Definition

A compartment that forms part of a larger rocket or spaceship and is built to keep working after detaching from the main structure.

Example

The crew moved into the landing module before the capsule separated from the main craft.

collocation: landing module

A damaged solar panel on the service module forced the crew to end the mission.

Common collocations
  • command module
  • service module
  • lunar module
  • landing module
  • crew module
  • separate from
  • dock with
Synonyms
  • compartment

    emphasises the enclosed space rather than independent operation

Grammar Patterns

[type] + module (e.g., landing module, command module)

Usage Note

Often used in compound nouns formed with a preceding noun that describes the module's function (e.g., command module, service module, lunar module, crew module).

4. A distinct unit of computer hardware or software that carries out a particular f

4.nounB1
Definition

A distinct unit of computer hardware or software that carries out a particular function and is designed to work together with other such units.

Example

Felix installed a new memory module to speed up his laptop.

collocation: memory module

This software module handles all password encryption and manages user authentication requests.

Common collocations
  • memory module
  • software module
  • graphics module
  • processor module
  • install a module
  • load a module
  • input/output module
Synonyms
  • component

    broader term; any part of a system, not necessarily self-contained

  • unit

    general term for a functional part of a system; slightly less technical

  • board

    refers specifically to a physical circuit board, not software modules

Grammar Patterns

[type] + module (e.g., memory module, software module)

install/run/load + a module

Usage Note

In hardware contexts, a module is often a physical circuit board or chip that can be plugged into a system. In software, a module refers to a logically self-contained block of code with a defined interface.

Common Mistakes

I need to update the module of my phone.
I need to update the module on my phone.
use 'on' for a module installed in a device.

Word family

  • modular
    adjectiveB2
  • modularity
    nounC1
  • modulate
    verbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Module and unit are the closest synonyms in academic contexts, both referring to a self-contained part of a larger programme. However, module is the standard term in British and Commonwealth universities for a credit-weighted teaching block, while unit is more general and can refer to any division of learning. Course is ambiguous — in British English it usually means the whole programme (a degree course), while in American English a single module is often called a course. Component is broader and not limited to education; it works for any part of a system. Subject refers to the topic area (e.g., history, physics) rather than a specific taught block. For example, a student taking a history degree might complete a module called 'The Cold War' — that module is one unit within the subject of history, and it forms one component of the degree programme.

unit ↗course ↗component ↗subject ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • module design
  • module content
  • module structure
  • module system
  • module format

Prepositions

  • in a module
  • of a module
  • on a module
  • into modules

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Module comes from the Latin word modulus, meaning 'a small measure' or 'standard unit'. It entered English through French in the 16th century, first referring to a unit of measurement in architecture. Over time the word broadened to describe any standardised component that can be combined with others of its kind, and by the mid-20th century it had been adopted in electronics, computing, education, and space exploration.