chart

1 of 2

noun

ˈchärt 

1

: map: such as

a

: an outline map exhibiting something (such as climatic or magnetic variations) in its geographical aspects

b

: a map for the use of navigators

2

a

: a sheet giving information in tabular form

b

: graph

c

: diagram

d

: a sheet of paper ruled and graduated for use in a recording instrument

e

: a record of medical information about a patient

f

: a listing by rank (as of sales)

—usually used in plural

number one on the charts

—Tim Cahill

3

: a musical arrangement

also : a part in such an arrangement

chart

2 of 2

verb

charted; charting; charts

transitive verb

1

: to lay out a plan for

chart a course

2

: to make a map or chart of

chart the coastline

3

: chronicle

the book charts the last years of his life

intransitive verb

: to be ranked on a chart

the song charted for three months

Synonyms

Noun

• map

Verb

• chronicle
• describe
• narrate
• recite
• recount
• rehearse
• relate
• report
• tell

Examples of chart in a Sentence

Noun

a chart showing the number of cars sold each month

The doctor consulted the patient's chart.

The record went to the top of the charts.

Verb

They charted the course of the ship.

She wanted to chart her own career path.

He will try to chart a new course for the company.

analysts charting trends in the stock market

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Two of the band’s earliest singles are back on the charts in the United Kingdom this week. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, the two-hour special honored those who excelled in music this year as determined by performance metrics on Billboard's year-end charts. —Shyla Watson, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

Check out our other Books coverage and see what's charting on the USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

But charting a course to maximize those investments requires stepping back for due diligence and strategic planning. —Ethan Karp, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French charte, from Latin charta piece of papyrus, document — more at card entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1842, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing chart

• bar chart
• birth chart
• chart-topper
• eye chart
• flip chart
• natal chart
• organizational chart
• pie chart
• strip-chart recorder
• time chart

Kids Definition

chart

1 of 2 noun

ˈchärt 

1

a

: map entry 1

especially : one showing features (as coasts, shoals, and currents) of importance to sailors

b

: an outline map showing something (as differences in climate or magnetism) according to geography

2

: a sheet giving information in the form of a table or of lists or by means of diagrams or graphs

chart

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a map or chart of

2

: to lay out a plan for

Etymology

Noun

from early French charte "map," from Latin charta "piece of papyrus" — related to card entry 3

Medical Definition

chart

noun

ˈchärt 

1

: a sheet giving information especially in tabular form

especially : a record of medical information for a patient

2

: graph

3

: a sheet of paper ruled and graduated for use in a recording instrument

chart transitive verb