First Known Use: 1706
Dictionary
1plan
noun \ˈplan\
: a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something
: something that a person intends to do
: a detailed agreement for telephone service, medical care, insurance, etc.
Full Definition of PLAN
1
: a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a : a top or horizontal view of an object b : a large-scale map of a small area
2
3
: an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
4
: a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service) <pension plan>
— plan·less \-ləs\ adjective
— plan·less·ly adverb
— plan·less·ness noun
See plan defined for English-language learners
See plan defined for kids
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Origin of PLAN
Related to PLAN
- Synonyms
- arrangement, blueprint, design, game, game plan, ground plan, master plan, program, project, road map, scheme, strategy, system
Synonym Discussion of PLAN
plan, design, plot, scheme, project mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end. plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation <plans for a house>. design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony <a design for a new dress>. plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions <the plot of the play>. scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest <a scheme to defraud the government>. project often stresses imaginative scope and vision <a project to develop the waterfront>.
2plan
verb
: to think about and arrange the parts or details of (something) before it happens or is made
: to intend or expect to do (something)
: to expect something to happen
plannedplan·ning
Full Definition of PLAN
transitive verb
1
: to arrange the parts of : design <plan a new layout>
2
: to devise or project the realization or achievement of <planned their escape>
3
: to have in mind : intend <plans to leave soon>
intransitive verb
1
: to make plans <plan ahead>
2
: to have a specified intention —used with on <plans on going>
— plan·ner noun
See plan defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLAN
1728
PLAN Defined for Kids
1plan
noun \ˈplan\
Definition of PLAN for Kids
1
: a method or scheme of acting, doing, or arranging <vacation plans> <They were nervous because … their plan was indeed a risky one. — Lemony Snicket, The Austere Academy>
2
: a drawing or diagram showing the parts or outline of something
Synonym Discussion of PLAN
plan, plot, and scheme mean a method of making or doing something or achieving an end. plan is used when some thinking was done beforehand often with something written down or pictured. <The builder proposed a plan for a new school.> plot is used for a complicated, carefully shaped plan of several parts. plot can be used of the plan of a story. <It's a mystery story with a good plot.> It can also be used of a secret, usually evil plan. <The robbery plot was uncovered.> scheme is used when there is a tricky plan often for evil reasons. <The scheme to cheat people backfired.>
2plan
verb
plannedplan·ning
Definition of PLAN for Kids
1
: to form a diagram of or for : arrange the parts or details of ahead of time <plan a bridge> <plan a picnic>
2
: to have in mind : intend <What are you planning to do with the leftovers?>
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